An Analysis of the mineral waters of Saratoga and Ballston : with practical remarks on their medical properties; together with a history of the discovery and settlement of these celebrated watering places, and observations on the geology and mineralogy of the surrounding country

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ANALYSIS

7Iiueral IrTaters of Saratoga aucl
Ball<$ton,

WITH

PRACTICAL REMARKS ON THEIR MEDICAL PROPERTIES;
TOGETHER WITH

A History of the Discovery and Settlement of these
celebrated Watering Places))

AXD OBSERVATIOSS ON THE

GEOLOGY AND MIlNERALOGy OF THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY.

BY JOHN H. STEEL, M. D.

" Tho Lord hath created medicines out of the earth, and he
that is wise will not abhor tlicm." — Bible.

second Elittfon.

SARATOGA SPRINGS :

PRINTED ASD PUBLISHED BT G. M. DAVISON.

1S3§.

Entered according to act of congress, in the year 1838, by
G. M. Davison, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of
the Northern District of New-York.

I¥EAV-YORK

HISTORICAL SOCIETY;

Formed for the express purpose of elicit-
iug; and pre!«erviiiii; Aviiatevcr may relate
to the Pliyisical IIi:>»tory of tlic state, this
Aiialy>>i«« of some of tlie mo<>>t distiuguislied
and celebrated ITIiiieral AVaters Avliicli our
country any Avhere affords, is respectfully
inscribed,

By the

AUTHOR.

Saratoga Springs, July 1, 1831,

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

Is presentinfT to the public a new work on the mineral
waters of Saratoga, some explanation may be deemed ne-
cessary.

These waters had been considerably resorted to, and
had become quite celebrated for their medicinal qualities,
particularly about the country, long before any thing more
was known of their properties than what was gathered
from the effects which they produced, when taken into
the stomach.

Dr. Seaman, of the city of New- York, who visited the
place as early as 1793, undertook, while on the spot, some
chemical experiments on the water, in order to determine
its real character; and to him the public are indebted for
the first scientific effort ever made to elucidate its true
[)roperties. His publication contained much useful infor-
mation on the subject, but his experiments were limited to
only one of the fountains, and iiis deductions were not al-
ways conclusive. Several other scientific notices of the
waters were subsequently published by able chemists, but
they were not more successful in producing satisfactory
results; and, although they went far to corrobrate the
opinions and views of the Doctor, they afforded no addi-
tional inlI)rmation to tli;it which he had previously acquir-
ed ; so that the di^icrect jihy.sician, vviicn called upon to

Vi PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITIOIT.

direct the use of the waters, was frequently at a loss, and
for the want of proper information, unable to decide, in
many cases, as to the proriety or impropriety of prescrib-
ing their use.

In the summer of 1817, 1 first published some observa-
tions on the mineral waters of Saratoga and Ballston. At
that time, I had resided at the Springs something over ten
years, and having been, during that period, often consulted
in relation to the qualities and uses of the waters in vari-
ous diseases, I felt compelled to engage in a course of in-
quiries, which would lead to a better and more satisfactory
understanding of the general character and comparative
properties of the different fountains ; and if the little work,
which resulted from the undertaking at that time, was not
sufficiently minute and discriminating in its details to satisfy
xhe profound chemist, it was thought, at least, to contain
all that was important for the instruction of the physician,
or the benefit of his invalid patient.

Since that period, several analyses of the most celebrated
fountains have at different times appeared, under the sanc-
tion of names calculated to inspire the fullest confidence in
their correctness ; but the glaring discrepancies manifested
in the results have tended greatly to lessen that confi-
dence, and to involve the subject in uncertainty and doubt.

It therefore became necessary tiiat a more careful and
accurate investigation of the properties of these waters
should be made, in a way and manner calculated to estab-

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. Vn

lish their real characterj and, if possible, to settle the public
mind on the subject.

Having spent more than twenty years of my profession-
al life on tlie spot, and having been compelled to devote
almost the whole of my attention, particularly during the
drinking season, to the operation and effects of the waters,
in the various and complicated diseases which have, at
diflerent times, presented themselves at the Springs, I was
impelled, by a sense of duty which I owed to the public, as
well as to the very respectable individuals who have here-
tofore honored me with their attentions, to make the sub-
ject an object of my particular and minute investigation ;
and for several years past, the examination has employed
the wl'.ole of my leisure hours.

Availing myself of all the sources of information which
the present state of science on this subject aflbrded, I com-
menced the arduous undertaking, with a determination
that no labor, at least, should deter me from arriving at as
great a degree of accuracy as the subject would permit ;
and the result of a patient and laborious investigation is
now presented to the public, under an impression that the
accuracy of tlie conclusions will not be controverted by
iho.ic who have the means, and will take tlie trouble to ex-
amine for themselves.

By comparing the present analysis of the waters of the
several springs with that which I formerly published, a
considerable differcr.cc in tlip results will be readily discov-
ered. This, however, must not be imputed to any alter-

Viii PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

ation or cliange in the original properties of the waters,
but is accounted for, in a great measure, by the different
state or condition in which the various saline ingredients
afforded by the water were, by the different processes, ob-
tained. In my former analysis the whole of the saline re-
siduum was estimated while in a state of crystallization ; in
the present instance, the quantities are calculated in a per-
fectly dry state. There are otlier differences of a less im-
portant character, which unquestionably arise from errors
committed in the former analysis, which, I am now happy
in the opportunity to acknowledge, as well as to correct.

Under an impression that every thing relating to the
early history and settlement of the springs is becoming
every day more and more interesting, as the place advan-
ces in importance, I have endeavored to give as full and
perfect an account of it as I have been able to collect.
For this, lam greatly indebted to a number of individuals;
particularly to John K. Beekman, Esq, of New- York, who
kindly furnished me with severable valuable documents,
in relation to the early history of the celebrated patent
of Kayaderosseras.

I am likewise under particular obligations to Dr. Samu-
el Freeman, of Ballston Spa, for the particulars in relation
to the history of that place, as well as for many useful prac-
tical observations on the medical properties of the waters.
Dr. Freeman has resided on the spot for a number ofyears,
and his knowledge and experience entitle his opinions lo
the fullest confidence and respect.

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The autlior of the present volume, the late Doct. Steel,
had commenced revising it for a second edition in the sum-
mer of 1837 ; but a continued ilhicss, with which he had
been atihcted for some months previous, prevented a com-
pletion. In tiic autumn of that year he liad journeyed to
the soutii and east, under an impression tliat a change of
climate and a relaxation from business Avould prove benefi-
cial. But after an absence of some weeks he returned, and
was soon thereafter confined to his house until his decease,
which took place on the 23d of April, 1838, at the age of
56 years. A few weeks previous to this event, he placed
the few additions wiiich he liad been enabled to make to
tiie former edition of this work in the hands of the pub-
lisher, with a request that they miglit be properly arran-
ged, and such verbal corrections made as might be found
necessary. This has been faithfully complied with ; and
though it was the design of Doct. S. liad he lived, to have
taken a wider range on many suljjects connected witli the
history of the Springs and tlie analysis of the mineral wa-
ters, it is believed that the present work (the only one of
the kind extant) will be found to be highly instructive as

X PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

well as beneficial to persons desirous of availing themselves
of the use of these waters for medicinal purposes.

The great experience of Doct. S. connected with his
scientific attainments and a long residence at the Springs,
gave him an opportunity possessed by no other person of
being thorouglily acquainted with the properties and effects
of these fountains, and of being eminently fitted to give di-
rections for their use. To him more than to any one else are
the public indebted for bringing them so effectually into no-
tice; he spared no expense or labour, during his residence
of twenty-five years in this place, in becoinini> familiar
with their properties and with the various diseases for
which they had proved remedial ; and there are thousands
now enjoying the blessings of health, who might have been
laboring under protracted illness, or have become the ten-
ants of the grave, but for his prescriptions and the use of
these waters. The written admonitions and directions of
such a man are therefore invaluable, and will commend
this work to the confidence of the public.

THE PUBLISHER.

Saratoga Springs, July, 1S38.

co^te:^ts.

Pagk,

histort of the springs, ..,....., 13

Geological Remarks om the County of Saratoga,..,. 49

Examination of the Waters, 75

Description of the Springs, 79

Congress Spring, id

Preliminary Observations, 84

Experiments with tests, 86

Inferences, 91

Examination of the gaseous contents of tlic water, 9-4

Examination of the sohd contents of the water, 100

Recapitulation, 113

Medical History, 118

Columbian Spring, 123

Wasliington S[iring, 131

Hamiltun Spring, 134

Flat Rock Spring, 139

High Rock Spring, 142

President Spring, 149

Red Spring, 1 oO

Ten Springs, 151

Ellis' Spring, 153

Quaker Springs, 1 56

Ballston Spa, 157

Sans Souci Spring, t • 169

Low's Spring, 172

Park Spring, 173

Public Well 1 74

New Washington S])ring, 176

SuLPUUEUEOLb WaTEKS,. • i . i 178

Xii CONTENTS.

Practical Observations on the Medical properties

of the waters, 183

Bilious Complaints, 185

Dyspepsia, 186

Calculous and Nephritic complaints, 192

Chronic Rheumatism, 193

Anthritis, or Gout, id

Phagedenic, or ill-conditioned Ulcers, 194

Cutaneous Eruptions, , id

Scrofula, 195

Dropsy, 199

Paralysis, id

Chlorosis, , 200

Phthisis, id

Season suitable for drinking the waters, 201

Closing remarks, , 202

ANALYSIS.

HISTORY OF THE SPRIIVGS.

Saratoga is, in all probability, a corruption of
the Indian Avord, Sah-rah-ka, which is said to
mean " the side-hill," and was applied by the na-
tives more particularly to that part of the coun-
try which lies between the Lake and the Hudson,
where the application of the term is amply justified
in the appearance of the country.

Tl'c ^vhole country which seems to have inher-
ited the name is of much greater extent. It cm-
braces a tiact of country which, coiomenchig at
the mouth of the Moliawk river, stretches to the
north along the wind/ngs of the west bank of the
Hudson for more than s<;vcnty miles, to the coun-
ty of AN'arren ; ♦hence in a westerly direction to
the cast bounds of the county of Hamilton, about
fiftt'cti mil<s ; frftni this spot the line proceeds in a
southerly direction aloii!;; the wholt; extent of tiic
cast line of the (bounty of Moui^'ouury. about
n

14 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

thirty miles, to the north line of the county of
Schenectady ; thence along the line of Schenec-
tady to the Mohawk river, which separates it
from the county of Albany, and then along the
course of the Mohawk to tlie place of beginning,
about twenty-five miles.

These lines include an area of about eight hun-
dred square miles, and a population at this time
of about forty thousand souls.

The greater part of the lands included in this
tract were originally granted by the crown of
England to a company of thirteen proprietors,
under the title of the Patent of Kayaderosseras.

The Van Schaick's Patent, so termed from the
name of the person to whom it was granted, was
of an earlier date, and included the present town
of Waterford and a considerable tract of country
adjoining. The Saratoga Patent was next in or-
der, and embraced an extent of six miles square
along the Hudson some miles above Van Schaick's
Patent. The Apple Patent was still later ; it
was granted to one William Apple, and was lo-
cated on the Mohawk, and extended " tJirce miles
hack into the woods" towards Ballston Lake.

The history of these grants, their settlement
and the subsequent intercourse with the natives,

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 16

would form an* interesting document in tlic his-
tory of the country. Even at this late period,
many important facts, hitherto undisclosed, miglit
be brought to light from living witnesses, which
a few more years will place beyond the power
of the historian to recover.

The mineral waters which form the subject of
the ensuing treatise being situated principally in
the great Patent of Kayaderosseras, it will not, I
trust, be deemed uninteresting by most readers
to be made acquainted with the history of that
grant, particularly as it may tend to disclose the
true estimate which the native proprietors placed
upon these " health preserving fountains," if in-
deed they were known to them at all.

The first grant, of which there is any record,
of land in what is now called the Patent of Kay-
aderosseras, in the county of Saratoga, was made
by two Indians, who, in the conveyance which
they gave styled themselves " Maquacs Indians,
owners and native proprietors of the land."
They are thus described in the original inden-
ture : " Ju.s(j)li, the Indian, by them called Te-jon-
nin-ho-gc, and Ilendrick,* by them called Dc-
han-och-rak-has, principal owners," &c.

■• 'I'liirt llciidrick i^ tlic .same vvliodislinguislicd liim.suH'iii the
gubso(jucntwars under General William Johnson, and waselaio

16 HISTORY OF THE SPRmO*.

This conveyance was made " for and in con-
sideration of divers goods" to David Schuyler
and Robert Livingston, junior, yeomen of the
city of Albany, and is dated at Albany, the twen-
ty-sixth day of August, in the first year of her
majesty's reign, (Queen Anne,) Anno Domini^
1702. The boundaries arc thus described :

" Beginning on the west side of Hudson's
river above Sar-ogh-to-gc's Patent ; beginning
opposite the creek, called by the Indians, Ti-on-
un-do-ga-he, and running along said side of the
river above the second carrying place to a small
island in said river,* and westward into the
woods as far as their property belongs, together
with all and singular," &;c.

In tlie spring following, 8amson Shelton
BroughtoDj Esquire, attorney-general of the prov-
ince, in behalf of himself and company, obtained a
licence to purchase the "tract of vacant and un-

with Colonel Williams, in 1755, in an attack on a body ofFirnelk
and Indians near Blcody Pond, not far from the head of Lake
George, being then upwards of seventy years old.

* This spot is described in another place thus : " From the
nortli bounds of the said Sarotogt;"s Patent to a place above Ihc
falls that licth in Hudson river above the Carrying Place that
f;oes over to the Wood Creek v/li'<_!i leads the wav to Canada."

mSTORY or THE SPRINGS. 17

appropriated land in the county of Albany, called
or known by the Indian name of Kayadoroseros,
adjoining to the north bounds of Schonectady on
the east side thereof, to the west bounds of So-
roctoga on the north side thereof, and to Albany
river on the west side thereof, of the native In-
dians and proprietors thereof, for their cultivation
and improvement."

This licence was granted by his excellency,
Edward Viscount Conbury, captain-general and
governor-in-chief of the province of New- York
and the territories depending thereon in America,
and vice-admiral of the same. It is dated at
Fort Ann, in council, in the city of New- York, the
twenty-second day of April, A. D. 1703.

In piH'suancc of this licence a purchase was
eflbcted of the Indians, Joseph, Ilendrick, Cor-
neJis, Gideon and Amus, owners, proprietors and
" native Maqueas Indians and sachems, in be-
half of themselves and all their nation, for and in
consideration of the sum of sixty pounds ($150)
current money of the province of New- York,
and <A' sundry goods to them in hand paid," &c.
" by Sumson Shelton IJronghton, Esquire, attor-
ney-gc:neral of the [)r(jviiic(;, I'eter Eauconnier,
ICs<juire, late commissioner of the customs, and
Nailing llermanse Visher, of the city of Albany,

18 IllSTOEY OF THE SPRINGS.

mariner, for themselves and company." The
bounds of the tract thus granted are summed up
and recapitulated in the original deed thus :

" The aforesaid tract of land being bounded
below the All-Place and Schenectady river on
the west by said river, then by the said town-
ship's bounds round about to said river again,
and still westward above the said town by the
said river again for eight miles at least above
Twek-to-non-do-hill ; thence by a north and north-
easterly line to the headmost spring of the stream
called Kayadaroseras river, and still northerly
by a north line continued to be run eight miles
further up into the woods, and yet still northerly
by a north or northeasterly line run ficmi thence
to Albany river above Sar-og-to-ge, by the town-
ship of Sorogtoge, and round the same to said
river again ; thence by said river to Anthony
Van Schaick's northeasterly corner, and souther-
ly by a line run from thence to the northwesterly
corner of Nestiguione (Niskayuna) of Schenec-
tady river, the place of beginning."

This deed is dated at Albany, the sixth day of
October, in the third year of her majesty's reign,
A. D. 1704, and is signed by all the sachems
above named, except Cornells, whose name does
not appear among the signatures.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 19

Immediately after this, a relinquishment of the
claim of Schuyler and Livingston was procured
by Visher in behalf of the company, for which
Schuyler and Livingston were to receive a cer-
tain portion of the lands when the patent should
be perfected, or in lieu thereof the sum of £100
($250) in money. On the back of this agree-
ment is endorsed a receipt signed by Livingston
and Schuyler, for £90 in full satisfaction for the
condition.

These preliminaries being adjusted, the patent
was sued for and finally obtained. It was grant-
ed by Queen Anne in the seventh year of her
reign, and is dated the second day of November,
A. D. 1708. The grant was to "her loving sub-
jects, Naning Ilcrmanse, Johannes Beekman,
Rip Van Dam, Ann Bridges, May Bickley, Peter
Fauconnier, Adrian llogelandt, Johannes Fisher,
John Tuder, Joris llogelandt, John Stevens, John
Tatham and Samson Broughton," and is " for all
that tract of land situated, lying and being in
the county of Albany, called Kayaduroscs, alias
QueenshoruugJi."

The bounds of this extensive tract of land which
has become so interesling to the present genera-
tion, arc here copied verbatim from the original
patent :

20 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

" Beginning at a place on Schonectady river*
about three miles distant from the southwesterly
corner of the bounds of Nastiguione, the said
place being the southwesterly corner of the pat-
ent lately granted to Naning Harmense, Peter
Fauconnier and others ; thence along the said
Schonectady river, westerly to the southeasterly
corner of a patent lately granted to William Ap-
ple ; thence along the easterly, northerly and
westerly line of the said Apple's Patent down to
the above said river ; thence to the Schonectady
bounds of the southeasterly corner of the said
patent, on the said river, so along the easterly,
northerly and westerly bounds thereof down to
the said river again ; thence along the said river
up westerly to the southeasterly bounds of a tract
of land lately granted to Ebenezer Wilson and
John Abel and so along the said patent round to
the southwesterly corner thereof on the said
Schonectady river to a place or hill called Twac-
tononda, being five miles distant, or thereabouts,
from the said southwesterly corner of the said
Wilson's and Abel's Patent ; thence along north-
erly to the northwestmost head of a creek called
Kayadoroses, about fourteen miles, more or less ;

* This river in another place is st^-led " Schonectady, Mo»
haks, or Maqueas river."

HISTORY OF THE SPRmOS. 21

thence eight miles more northerly ; thence east-
erly or northeasterly to the third falls on Albany
river, about twenty miles, more or less ; thence
along the said river down southerly to the north-
easterly bounds of Saroghtoge ; thence along the
said Saroghtoge's northerly, westerly and south-
erly bounds on the said river ; thence to the north-
easterly comer of Anthony Van Schaick's land
on the said river, so northerly and westerly along
tlie said Van Schaick's Patent to the northeast
corner of the above said patent granted to Naning
Harmense, Fauconnier and others ; thence along
the northerly and westerly bounds thereof down
to the above said river of Schoncctady, being the
place where it first began."

The consideration for all the lands contained in
the foregoing limits, was merely £4 (810) quit rent
to ha paid, in current money of the state of New-
York, yearly forever, on the " Feast day of the
annonciation of our blessed Virgin Mary, (com-
monly called Lady Day,") to the collector or
receiver-general at the custom house, in the city
of New-York ; tlic crown reserving to itself all
gold and silver mines, and conditioning that one
or more settlement on some part thereof should
be effected within seven years from the date ol
the said patent.

22 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

This last stipulation was entirely neglected
until the seventeenth of October, 1715, when the
company becoming alarmed at the prospect of
forfeiting the patent from this neglect, the major
part of them entered into an agreement with
Naning Hermense, of Albany, to effect a settle-
ment on the said lands, on or before the first day
of May ensuing, and he was to receive in consid-
eration for his services, one thousand acres of
land, over and above his share, to be located any
where in the patent, excepting on the Kayadcros-
seras creek, where, it seems, the lands were held
in much higher estimation than in any other part
of the tract.

It does not appear, from any documents which
I have the means of examining, where the first
settlement was made ; but it is highly probable,
from the frequent discomfitures among the remote
settlers occasioned by the incursions of hostile In-
dians in the vicinity, that the first settlers did not
remove very far into the interior ; doubtless they
were located in the vicinity of Schenectady or
along the north side of tlie Mohawk.

On the Hudson, settlements might have been
made much earlier, particularly on the patents of
Van Schaick and Saratoga ; but it does not ap-
pear that there were, at the period to which we

HISTORY OP THE SPRINGS. 23

allude, (1715,) any settlements above the patent of
Saratoga, that is, north of the Fish creek, or what
is now called Schuylerville ; and there could have
been but a few scattering inhabitants, between
that and the Mohawk. It was in the year 1747
that the town of Saratoga was burnt by the In-
dians, and the inhabitants, consisting of about
thirty families, were mostly massacred ;* and
about the same time the family of Kettles were
murdered by the savages. This latter circum-
stance forms the subject of a story, interestingly
told by Mrs, Ten Eyck. The place where the
family resided was but six miles above Water-
ford, immediately on the bank of the Hudson,
nearly opposite to what is called the lower
borough in Schaghticoke, and on the farm lately
owned by John Ten Broeck, and more recently
by one Strachan. The ruins of the cellar were
visible, and a few aged fruit trees, said to have
been planted by the family, were in blossom, when
I last visited the place, a few years since.

From the period above alluded to until the
final conquest and consequent subjection of the

♦ This sf;ttlemont wqh at the mouth of Fish creek, M'liere
Schiiylprvillc now stands, and a fieiillcman by the name of John
Schuyler, one of the ancestors of the present proprietor of that
village, was among llie slain.

24 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

province of Canada to the British government, the
progress of emigration to this part of the country,
which was then an exposed frontier, was greatly
retarded.

During the summer of 1755, the fort was com-
menced and completed at Fort Edward, which
was then called the " Great Carrying Place"
and at the same time a road was cut through the
woods to the head of Lake George, where the
Fort William Henry was commenced and a small
garrison established at both places. This added
greatly to the security of the settlements to the
south ; but it was not until the arrival of General
Amherst in the year 1759, who passed np the
Hudson and through the lake to Canada, and
completed the subjugation of that province, that
the incursions of the hostile Indians were etfectu-
ally checked, and complete security restored to
the frontier settlers.

From this period the country began to be more
rapidly settled ; the settlements, however, were
principally confined, for several years, to the
banks of the Hudson or the ]Moha\vk. The ex-
treme fertility of the soil, tiie advantages of mill
seats, and the tacility of cutting timber, gave to
the neighborhood of these and their tributary
streams, an advantage that was not to be over-

HISTORY

o:^ THE SPRINGS. 25

looked by the adventurous and enterprising emi-
grants.

At what precise period of time the mineral
springs, which have now become so important in
the history of the country, were discovered and
their properties first observed, cannot now, with
any degree of certainty, be ascertained. It is
but reasonable, however, to uifer that the discov-
ery was sometime subsequent to the transfer of
the title by the natives, as that circumstance took
place without any intimation as to the fact of the
existence of such waters, wliich could hardly be
supposed to have happened had any importance
I'Ocn attached to their properties, or had they.
indeed, been known to exist at all ; and it is
equally probable that those to whom the transfer
was made were likewise ignorant on the subject,
tor ihey made, some years afterwards, grants to
individuals with the privilege to locate any iv/icrc
'jxcept on the flats of the Kayadcrosseras.

The fame which this part of the coimtry had
long sustained as a hunting ground must have
attracted the attention of those who occupied
ihcmselvcs in the labors of the chase at a very
early period, and it is highly probable that an ob-
ject so singular and consj)icuous as the Iligli
ll'jck would have presented itself to the attention

c

26 HISTORY OF TIIE SPRINGS.

of some of these adventurers at a much earlier
period than is now generally known ; but what-
ever might have been the knowledge of individu-
als, it is certain that but little general information
had been diffused on the subject until "about the
year 1767.

General William Johnson, who had retired
from his command in the army with the title of
Baronet, conferred by his Britannic majesty as a
special favor for his brave defence of Fort Wil-
liam Henry, now resided at Johnstown, about
thirty miles west of the Springs, in the capacity
of Indian agent. Sir William being indisposed*
and finding little or no benefit from the applica-
tion of such limited means as his situation ena-
bled him to apply, was induced, at the instigation
of the Indians, with whom he was always a great
favorite, to undertake a journey to the Springs,
and in the month of June or July, he set out on
the expedition. They passed down the Moliawk
to Schenectady, from whence they travelled
through the woods to Ballston Lake ; here they
tarried over night at the hut of one Michael Mc-
Donald, a Scotch adventurer, who, with a young

* Sir William was -wounded in the defence of the garrison of
Lake George, and tlic wound, ahhough shght at iirst, continu-
ed to trouble him the remainder of his days.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 27

family, had just commenced a settlement in the
midst of the wilderness.*

On the following day, accompanied by Mc-
Donald and his Indian guides, Sir William arriv-
ed at the High Rock Spring, then the only one
known; here he remained a number of days, be-
ing well supplied with provisions by the dexterity
of his hunters, and the whole company regaling
themselves with large potations of the water, of
which they soon became remarkably fond.

At the termination of his residence here, Sir
William's health became perfectly reinstated, and
although he had been brought to the place the
greater part of the way on a litter borne on the
shoulders of the Indians, he was enabled to travel
back to Schenectady on foot.

The fame of this extraordinary cure on a per-
sonage so distinguished as Sir William, soon
s])i-cad over the country, and from this period
'• The Springs" began to be the resort of in-
valids.

♦ McDonald continued to reside on the same spot, until a few
Yoar.i since, when he died, Ijting upwards of eighty years old,
luaving a tine well cultivated farm as a patrimony to a large
fuMiily.

28 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

In the year 1770 and '71 several families loca-
ted themselves on the highlands on the east side
of Saratoga Lake, a little to the southeast of
Snake Hill ; and about the same time, John
Laing, Roland Perry and John Stiles, settled at
Palmertown, (now Wilton.) about six miles nortli-
east from the Springs. From these settlements, ex-
cursions were frequently made to the High Rock
through paths that were only passable on foot.

In the 3'ear 1773, one Dirck Scowton, influ-
enced by a desire to trade with the Indians as
well as to afford accommodations to visitants,
commenced a settlement on the high bank a little
west of the High Rock on the spot where Bent-
ley's tavern now stands. Here ho cut down a
few trees, and with the assistance of several per-
sons who accompanied him for the purpose, they
were rolled up to form a hut ; but before he had
time to render it sufficiently comfortable for n
dwelling, owing, as it was said, to some misunder-
standing with the Indians, he was induced to
abandon his project, and it is believed tliat hz
never afterwards returned.

During the following season one John Arnold
arrived from the state of Rhode-Island, with a
young family, at the east side of Saratoga Lake,
and from the representations made to him. bx

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 29

was induced to try his fortunes at the Springs.
Having provided himself with a few articles suit-
able for Indian traffic, consisting mostly of spirit-
uous liquors, he embarked his little stock in trade,
together with his family and a few necessary
articles of furniture, on board of a canoe near
Snake Hill, paddled across the lake and up the
Kayadcrosscras creek about two miles ; here he
landed, and taking their goods upon their backs,
tiicy followed a foot path which conducted them
tiirough the woods to the Spruigs.

On their arrival, Arnold took possession of the
house that had been built by Scowton, and hav-
ing improved it so as to render it comfortable for
his family, he opened a kind of rude tavern.

Mr. Tiiomas Arnold, a highly respectable far-
mer, is now living in the town of Stillwater,
about eight miles from the Springs. He is the
son of John Arnold, and accompanied the family
during their residence at the place, and altliouoh
but nine years old at the time, retains a perfect
rcc(jl!ection of the appearance of the country
and the circumstances relating to his father's res-
idence here.

The valley along the Ijrook was covered by large
trees of licmluck, elm and maple ; and the !.>aiik
c '

so mSTORY OF THE SPRINGS;

on the west side of the valley with a thick growth
of overgrown white pine, while the opposite side
was a perfect thicket of yellow and pitch pine.

The High Rock and Flat Rock were the only
springs at that time known. The hole or open-
ing at the top of the High Rock was at tiraes^
nearly filled with water, but this only happened
in wet seasons or during long periods of wet
weather. The water usually stood some inches
below the top of the hole where its surface was
in a constant state of agitation. This agitation,
when the hole was nearly full of water, would, at
times, cause it to surge over and run down its
sides, but this very seldom happened. There
was nothing like a constant discharge from the
top of the rock at any time. The water, how-
ever, was at all times so high as to be easily dipped
with the hand.* There were the remains of a
small hut or cabin near the rock, probably the one
built by Sir William Johnson.

* This rising and falling of the water in the rock gave origui
to the opinion entertained by the first visitants, that it "eiied
tiCidjlowtd with the tide." The water, although now some feel
below the top of the rock, still continues to rise and fall with the
state of the season, as any one may observe who will take th':
trouble to measure it at the proper times.

IIISTOnY OF THE SPRINGS. 31

The Flat Rock covered a quanlity of ground of
several rods in extent ; it was considerably eleva-
ted above the marsh or swamp which surrounded
it ; the surface was flat and hard, and was perfo-
rated in numerous places, where the water stood
in little pools, through the bottom of which it was
constantly bubbling up. The marsh and grounds
about the rock were much broken and trodden up
by the footsteps of wild animals which flocked
here in great numbers to drink of the water, of
which, there is every reason to believe, they were
voraciously fond. Deer and moose would, at
times, when in pursuit of this beverage, appa-
rently lose their w^ildness and suffer themselves
to be closely approached, and they were fre-
quently shot by the Indians, and other hunters,
while regaling themselves at this fountain.

The woods abounded with wild game. Bears,
deer, wolves and moose were seen almost every
day ; and the small stream which runs through
the valley was the abode of beaver and great
quantities of salmon trout.

There were sixteen cabins occupied by differ-
ent families of Indians, all in sight of Arnold's
house. These Indians were principally employ-
ed in hunting and fishing, and although frequent-
ly intoxicated, they were generally inoftcnsivo
and friend Iv.

32 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

There was a small clearing on the top of the
hill south from where the Union Hall now stands.
This was probably the first cleared spot in the
vicinity of the Springs. It was said to have been
done by a man who went by the name of Indian
Joe, a half blood, who resided among the Indians
in the neighborhood.

On the approach of winter, Arnold shut up his
house and went over to the settlement on the east
side of the lake, but returned early in the spring
and resumed his business, which he continued,
however, till fall only, when he again left the
place. He was succeeded by one Samuel Nor-
ton, who had previously obtained a permission
from Isaac Low to occupy and improve a farm
in the vicinity of the "salt spring" at Saratoga,
under a stipulation to receive pay for his improve-
ments should he think proper at any time to re-
move. Low had acquired his title to the soil by
purchase from the heirs of Rip Van Dam, to
whom, on the general partition of the patent, this
portion of it devolved.*

* 111 1770 the patent was tlivided, and lot number twelve,
(which includes the mineral waters and a considerable portion
of the adjoining lands at Saratoga Springs,) in the sixteenth
general allotment, was sold by the representatives of Rip Van
Dam to Anthony Van Dam, Jacob Walton and Isaac Low.

UISTORY OF TIIE SPRINGS. 33

Norton took possession of the house the same
season tliat Arnold left it, and continued to make
considerable improvements by clearing up the
land, (fcc. through the succeeding season. But
the war of the revolution, which had already
conmicnced, was now becoming every day more
and more serious, and he began to be alarmed
for the safety of his family, and thought it pru-
dent to remove them from a situation w here they
were so much exposed to the aggressions of the
contending parties. He finally joined the British
army, where ho soon after died, and the Springs
were again left without a single inhabitant.

Low absented himself from the county during
the war, and his lands were of course sold by the
commissioners of forfeitures; those which he own-
ed at the Sj>rings w^ere sold to Henry Livingston
in nSG, for himself and brothcis.

In the spring of 1783, a son of Norton resum-
ed the occupancy of the former possessions of his
father at the Springs, and continued to clear and
improve the land in the vicinity until the year
1787, when lie sold his possessions and improve-
menls to one Gideon Morgan, who the same year
transferred them to Alexander Bryant. Bryant
must be considered the first permanent settler
here after the close of the war : he Ijuilt a black-

34 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

smith's shop, and erected an additional log house
which he opened for the accommodation of visit-
^pts; and there are persons yet living who recol-
lect with peculiar pleasure, the clean apartments
and comfortable accommodations afforded by the
proprietor of this humble mansion.*

In the year 1783, General Philip Schuyler,
who had a farm and a number of mills at the

* Bryant was a slirewd and somewhat of an eccentric cliarac-
tcr, and the events of his Hfe, if generally known, would un-
doubtedly place liis name among the patriots of his time, and
furnish a deserved monument to his memory.

He was, I believe, a native of the state of Connecticut ; but
emigrated to that of New-York early in liic, and fixed his resi-
dence in the county of Dutchess. Here he connected himself
by marriage with a highly respectable farnil}-, and some years
alter removed to the town of llalfmoon, in the county of Sara-
toga, where he commenced the business of tavern keeping at a
place situated about two miles above Watcrford, on what was
then the great road wliich furnished the principal means of com-
munication between the northern and southern frontiers. On
this spot he continued to reside during the war oftherevolu-
tion, and his house, of course, became frequently the resort of
the partisans of the contending powers; and such was»the
adroitness of his management that he became the unreserved
confidant of both parties, without even being once suspected of
treachery by eitlicr. Of his patriotism, however, and his sin-
cere attaclimcnt to the interests of his country, tliere cannot ex-
ist a doubt. The important secrets which he frequently obtain-
ed from his confiding friends, the torics, were soon disclosed
to the committees of safety, with whom he managed to keep a

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 35

mouth of the Fish-Creek, caused a road to be
opened from that place to the Springs, and hav-
ing set up a large wall tent near the High Roclj,
occupied it with his family for the space of three
or four weeks. They were so well pleased with
the result of this visit, that the following season
he caused a small frame building to be erected
on the high land a httle southwest from the High
Hock, where he continued to reside five or six

constant although a secret communication. The numerous
and essential services wiiich he thus rendered to his country
continued for a long time to excite the admiration and grati-
tude of his few s\irviving associates, to whom alone they were
known and by whom their importance could only be properly
e.-timated : and it is to be regretted that, to the day of his
death, tlicy remained unacknowledged and unrewarded by any
token or profession of gratitude from his country.

W lien Gen. Gates took the command of the northcr.n army,
iic a[U)lied to the committee of safety of Stillwater, to provide a
suitable person to go into Burgoyne's camp, with a view to ob-
la;;i a knowledge of the muviments of the enemy, Bryant was
;.nnK iliately scbctedas a person well ([ualified to undertake the
liazardi'us entcrprize, and he readily agreed to accomplish iL
Abofit the same time he was ap|)lie(l to by a friend of the ene-
my to convey some mtclligence which he deemed of importance
to Burnovne ; this he likewise undertook, having secretly obtain-
ed th.j consent of Gen. Gates for that purpose. By pursuing a
circuitdii- route, he arrived unmolested at llie camp of the cnc-
mv, winch was tlien situated in the vicinity of Fort Edward.
Ilavm;: liad several intervii'ws with Gen. Burgoyne, by whom
]:■: wa- rlos'ly c.xanMiiCil, iic was finally employed by tliat ofi)»

36 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

weeks every year during the remainder of his
life. This house was standing until a few years
past ; it consisted of two rooms, with a stone fire
place and chimney ; it was enclosed and lined
with rough boards, and was the first framed house
built in the place.

In the year 1780, a Dr. Blakesley and Gideon
Putnam commenced a settlement at the Springs.

cer to superintend some concerns in the ordnance department.
He tarried sufficiently long to obtain the required information,
v.'hen he privately left the camp in the gray of the morning of
the 15th of vSeptember; but he had not proceeded many miles
before he discovered that he was pursued by two horsemen ;
these, however, he contrived to avoid, and arrived safely at Gates'
head-quarters late on the following night, and communicated
the first intelligence of the enemy's liaving crossed the Hudson
and being on the advance to Stillwater. This intelligence was
of great importance, as it led to the immediate preparation for
the sanguinary engagement winch ensued on the 19th of tlie
same month.

Bryant continued to rcsi.ie at the Springs for more than thirty
years, and until age had rendered him incompetent for active
life. He then retired to the county of Scoharie, where he died
at an advanced age. He possessed a strong constitution, a
sound and vigorous mind, and a benevolent and kind disposi-
tion. The poor, the miserable and the unfortunate were al-
ways the objects of his care, his kindness and his charily. But
his eccentricities often involved him in difOcultirs with his more
opulent neighbors, and, at times, disturbed the tranquillity ofhis
raost intimate frierul?.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 37

Blakesley occupied the log building erected by
Scowton, and Putnam located on a new farm
three fourths of a mile westerly from the village.
It is to the enterprize of this latter gentleman that
the village is indebted for much of its early im-
provement, and the public for the first elegant and
commodious accommodations which the place
afforded.

In the year following, (1790,) Benjamin Risley,
Esquire, from Vermont, bought the house whicfi
Scowton built, and having erected some addi-
tions, opened it for the accommodation of visit-
ants. This, and the house kept by Bryant on the
opposite comer, and but a few rods distant, con-
tinued to be rival establishments for a number of
years. Risley, a few years after, built the yellow
house near the upper end of the village, which
has been occupied as a tavern ever since. He
likewise built a small house on the opposite side
of the street, nearly against the yellow tavern,
which was occupied for a time as a boarding
house, but was, some vears since, burnt down. '

♦ This fire happened in Juno, 1807, two dwelling houses and

several out buildings were destroyed, and an aged gcntlciniui

hy the name of Miller, from the town of Diirninerf^ton, in Mas-

L-aehutcttH, who lodcred in an upper room in one o! 'he imiM-

I)

38 HISTORY OF TUE SPRINGS.

About the year 1794, the Messrs. John andZi-
ba Taylor opened a small store in one of the
rooms of Risley's house. They afterwards built
a small log house which they occupied for the
same purpose ; this stood on the high land, forty
or fifty rods north from the High Rock Spring,
but every vestige of it has long since disappear-
ed. These gentlemen subsequently erected mills
in the vicinity, and contributed much to the clear-
ing and improving the surrounding country.

During the summer of 1792 the Congress
Spring vv'as first discovered. Three gentlemen
were boarding at Risley's who frequently amused
themselves by hunting for small game in the
neighboriiig woods. One of them, John Taylor
Gilman, of Exeter, New Hampshire, (afterwards
Governor of that state,) and who then was, or
had be jn a member of congress, accidently dis-
covered a small stream of water issuing from an
aperture in the side of a rock, the face of which
formed the border of the brook. An appearanc-e
so singular attracted his attention, and on exam-
ining it more attentively he found it to be a strong
mineral water. He communicated the discovery
to his associates, and in the afternoon of the same

ings, lost las life by jumping from the windoM' of his apart-
ment.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 39

day he conducted his landlord, together with
a number of other persons, to the spot. It was
situated a few feet further west and on the oppo-
site side of the brook from where the Congress
spring now is. The water issued from an aper-
ture which resembled a worm hole in one of
those large masses of silicious lime rock which
form the upper stratum of the rock formation at
this place. Its taste and other sensible qualities
satisfied tiie company that the discovery was an
important one ; and the spring was immediately
dignified by the consent of all the persons pres-
ent, with the name of the CONGRESS SPRING,
out of respect to the discoverer, and as a compli-
ment to the superior strength of its waters.

About the year 1770 it is said that a Dr. Con-
stable, who resided at Schenectady, examined
the waters at Saratoga and Ballston, and pro-
nounced them highly medicinal ; and in 1783, Dr.
Samuel Tenny, a regimental surgeon stationed at
Fish-creek, visited the Springs, and made some
interesting and judicious remarks on their prop-
erties and uses as a medicine. The result of his
-observations he addressed in a letter to Dr.
Joshua Fisher, of Boston, which was subsequent-
ly published in the Memoirs of the American
Aca<lemy of Arts and Sciences, vol. II, part I,
17H3.

10 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

The venerable Samuel L. Mitchill, LL. D. of
the city of New-York, records it as one of the
remarkable incidents of his life, that in the year
1787, he "visited the Springs at Saratoga while
surrounded by the forest, and ascertained experi-
mentally that the gas extricated from the water
wsis fixed air, with the power to extinguish flame
and destroy the life of breathing animals."

It does not appear, however, that there was
any attempt at a scientific examination of these
waters until the year 1793, when Valentine Sea-
man, M. J), then one of the surgeons of the New-
York Hospital, and an eminent physician of the
city, published •' A Dissertation on the mineral
waters of Saratoga." His chemical experiments
were principally confined to the water of the
High Rock spring ; and to him very justly be-
longs the honor of first developing the time char-
acter and qualities of these interesting fountains.
From the result of his enquiries he inferred and
published his views on the " use and medical vir-
tues of the waters." In the year 1795, Dr. Yan-
dervoort published the result of his experiments
on the waters of Ballston.

These publications had the effect to produce a
more general knowledge of the properties of the
waters, and to confirm tlic ffood opinion whid-.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 41

had already been formed of their efficacy in
many complaints. The consequence was an in-
crease of company to such an extent as to evince
the necessity of more extensive and better ar-
ranged accommodations. Influenced by this
consideration, Mr. Putnam, whose enterprize was
always active, was induced to build a large and
commodious house near the Congress spring,
around which, at the time, the country was a
perfect wilderness. lie commenced it in ISOO,
and in the spring of 1802 the Union Hall, then
called Putnam's tavern,* was opened for compa-
ny. It consisted of a large dining room, two par-
lours and a commodious kitchen on the first floor,
and the two upper stories were divided into lodg-
ing rooms.

In ISOS, Jotham Holmes, who had before kept
a house near the High Rock, commenced build-
ing the Columbian Hotel near the Flat Rock,
ant J the tollowing season it was opened for com-
pany. Tlic success which attended these first
eflurts induced Mp. l^utnam to extend the means
of accommodation still further. He added con-
siderably to the dimensions of the Union Hall,
and in Is 12 commenced the Conjrrcss Hall on

♦ The sicn '.va.- a ruilcly painted rcpri'Scnlali'jn of t!ic alory
of rutnini and the voT

42 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS,

the opposite side of the street ; but before it was^
completed, its worthy and enterprizing proprie-
tor died, and the completion of the building was
consequently delayed until the fall of 1814, when
it was sold to Graudus Van Schoonhovcn, who
finished it, and in the spring of 1815 it was
opened.

From this period, the character of the waters,
and the excellency of the accommodations af-
forded to visitants, began to be more generally
known and more justly appreciated ; and the lit-
tle village, as it emerged from the surrounding
wilderness, began to present the appearance of a
place of fashion and extravagance, and from be-
ing the mere humble abode of the indigent and
infirm, suddenly became the resort of the most
polite and polished society. Such was the rapid
increase of company, that it became necessary
that still further accommodations should be pro-
vided ; and in 1819, the Pavilion was opened by
Mr. Lewis, and in 1824, the United Stales Hotel
by Mr. Ford. All these csiablishments have
from time to time been enlarged and improved,
until they may be ranked among the most spa-
cious and imposing buildings of the kind in the
United States ; and for good fare and polite at-
tentions, will not suffer by a comparison with
• hose of any countrv.

IIISTORy OF THE SPRINGS. 43

The village was incorporated by an act of the
legislature in the spring of 1827. It contains
about three hundred dwelling houses, five church-
es, a printing oflice and reading-room, together
with a number of stores and mechanic shops, and
at the present time between two and three thou-
sand mliabitants. It possesses no peculiar ad-
vantages cither for manufacturing or mercantile
pursuits; it is therefore' indebted alone to its
character as a loatcring j'^acfy for the advances
which it has heretofore made in improvement
and population.

The village is situated at the termination oi
one of the s])ur3 of the immense pile of primitive
mountains which separate the waters of Lake
Champlain from those of the St. Lawrence. It
is twelve miles west from Schuylervillc on the
Hudson, and thirty cast from Johnstown in the
county of Montgomery ; it is thirty-four miles
jiortherly from Albany, and twenty-seven south-
erly from Lake George. Its principal street is
(jiie hundred and forty feet in width and nearly
one mile in extent. The houses are well built,
and the whole village has an air of neatness and
^^alubi'ity s(;[:l(jni equalled in any country village.
I'ornK.rly the inhabitants were subject to attacks
ol iiiienniltcnt and remittent fevers, but for the
la-t ten y<;urs these diseases have entirely (lisa[)-

44 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

peared. This remarkable exemption is imputed
to the destruction of a number of mill-dams in
the surrounding country, and the clearing and
draining of the low marshy grounds m the imme-
diate vicinity of the place, which must, during
their existence, have afforded fruitful sources for
those exhalations, to which has always been im-
puted the origin of these afflicting diseases. Nor
is the surroanding country less exempt from
those pestiferous exhalations which render a
place insalubrious and improper for even the
temporary residence of invalids. The springs
are situated in an elevated district, and in the
immediate vicinity of an extensive range of moun-
tainous country ; the atmosphere, therefore, is
remarkably pure and invigorating, affording to
the diseased one of the best selected spots that
could be chosen for the improvement of a broken
or impaired constitution,

But Saratoga is not only interesting on account
of the salubrity of its waters and the purity of its
air ; the name is associated with the great events
which gave birth to the empire ; her plains are
distinguished in the history of freedom. It was
here our fathers fought and bled ! and here the
sight of their graves daily reminds us of their val-
our and their patriotism. It was here, during the
dark and gloomy period of the revolution, that

HISTORY or THE SPRINGS. 45

ihe liglit of liberty first dawned upon our then
benighted land, and cheered the hearts of our
desponding countrymen with a full prospect
of a great and glorious day ; and although the
bones of those who fell upon her plains arc
now scarcely distinguishable from the earth
which covers them, yet the spot of their repose
will be sought after and remembered while pat-
riotism shall have a votary, or liberty a name.
The scene of the defeat and surrender of Gcne-
jal Burgojne is but two hours ride from the
Springs, and is full of interest.

The falls of the Hudson are numerous, and
some of them highly interesting, particularly those
of Baker, Glen and Iladley ; they are situated
about eighteen miles from the Springs, and are
well worlli the attention of the tourist.

.Saratoga Lake is but four miles distant from the
Springs. It is- a beautiful sheet of pure water,
nine miles in extent from north to south, and irom
one to three in width. The scenery around il is
tliversificd and highly picturesque, while the lake
Itself aljounds with a variety of fish and its bor-
ders with abundance of small game, afiording io
die sj)ortsman and ei)icure a nev(;r failing source
of anmscmenl and gratification.

46 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

Lake George, twenty-seven miles distant, pre-
sents a scenery sublime, beautiful and romantic
beyond description. Here the invalid may not
only be exhilarated by the delightful prospects
which surround him, but will find himself invigo-
rated by inhaling the pure air of the mountains,
and bathing in the limpid and uncontaminated
waters of the Sacred Lake,*

The artist may here occupy his pencil in delin-
eating some of the grandest views which the Uni-
ted States any where present, and which fancy in
her wildest and most extravagant exertions can
never imitate or improve. Indeed, no being, en-
dowed with reason and common sense, can ever
visit this spot without receiving impressions calcu-
lated to elevate his views of the divinity of nature,
and the dignity and grandeur of her works.

The roads leading to all these places are tole-
rably good, particularly where they pass over the
plain country ; as tiicy are there not only level
and dry, but frequently hard and smooth in con-
sequence of the admixture of loam with sand.
The invalid may, therefore, select such route from
the Springs as may best suit the state of his

* The French, who first discovered the lake, £:ave it the
name of " Lake Sacrament,'''' from tlic puritv of its waters.

mSTORY OF THE SPKINGS. 47

health. If feeble or afflicted with painful disease,
he may ride on the plains without fatigue ; or if
more vigorous and courting exercise, he may
mount the hills in Greenfield to the north, where,
in a tour of eight or ten miles, he may enjoy a
mountain scenery.

The approach to the Springs from the south is
now effected by rail road — the time actually em-
plo}cd in travelling between them and New- York
not generally exceeding from 15 to 18 hours. A
rail road has also been commenced between Sara-
toga Springs and Whitehall, on Lake Champlain,
and when completed, will perfect the great chain
of internal communication by steam from Quebec
to North Carolina.

Saratoga, as a j)OLrit of attraction, Avill prove a
resting place for travellers designing a northern
or southern excursion, and, like the watering
])lacc3 in Europe, will also be doubtless selected
as a locality for the country seats of many of the
opulent. Indeed, it is already bcgiiming to as-
sume that character, and to give evidence that the
period is not distant when it will become as popu-
lous and in all respects equal the most renowned
and fashionable towns of the kind on the eastern
fjontinent.

GEOLOGICAL RE3L1RKS

ON THB

COUNTY OF SARATOGA.

The arrangement of the different geological
formations in tiiis county is peculiarly interesting,
and affords one of the happiest opportunities for
acquiring a knowledge of the general outlines of
the science of geology. The primitive transition
and secondary formations present themselves al-
most at one vievr, and afford to the enquirer an
opportunity for studying the physical characters,
positions and arrangements with a facility that
can scarcely be surpassed at any other spot. But
before I proceed to a description of its geological
structure, it will be necessary to say a few words
on the geography of the county.

The county of Saratoga was set off from the
county of Albany in the year 1791. It is situated
between 42 deg. 40 min. and 43 deg. 23 min.
north latitude, and 26 min, cast and 10 rain, west
longitude from the city of A^ew-York, and is di-
vided into twenty townships, the greater part of
which are highly cultivated, and all of ihcm in a

50 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

State of rapid improvement. The soil is generally
good and well adapted to either pasturage or
culture.

Formerly the great quantity of fine timber,
which the land every where produced, its prox-
imity to market, and the facilities afforded for
erecting mills on never failing streams of water,
induced the earlier settlers to turn their attention
to the business of lumbering, to the almost entire
neglect of the land. But the disappearance of
the timber has now nearly put a stop to this kind
of traffic, and the farmer is beginning to consult
his better interest in the cultivation and improve-
ment of his farm ; and in a few more years this
county will rank among the first in the state both
for the quantity and quality of its productions.

The face of the country is undulating, and the
soil considerably diversified in its character.
Along the Hudson there are some tracts of allu-
vial bottoms extremely fertile ; but it is remarkable
that this river does not produce such extensive
tracts of alluvial lands as are usually found along
streams of its magnitude. Back from the river
there arc extensive tracts of smidy soil intermixed
with a light loam. The soil of the mountainous
districts is of a gravelly consistence, intermixed
with much vegetable substance, while that which

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 61

occupies the space between the mountains and
the sandy plains is generally of a rich vegetable
mould.

The northern part of the county is mountainous.
It consists of two elevated ridges, the first of
which is styled the Palmertown mountains. It is
a continuation or spur of the immense pile of prim-
itive mountains which occupy the space between
the waters of I^ake Champlain and those of the
St. Lawrence. They enter the county a few
miles west of Glen's Falls, on the Hudson, in the
town of INIoreau, from whence this ridge, pursu-
ing a southwesterly course, gradually sinks to the
level of the plain lands in the vicinity of the min-
eral waters at Saratoga Springs. It presents an
abrupt front, in many places precipitous, and rises
in some parts to the height of several hundred
feet above the level of the plains which lie to the
east and south of it. From the top of this range
the land gradually declines to the west for the
distance of six or seven miles, when it is again
abniptly thrown into another ridge called the
Kayaderosscras mountains. This, like tlic Pal-
mertown ridge, is a spur from the same group of
primitive mountains to the north. It sinks to the
general livel of the country. In the town of Gal-
way it presents an appearance very similar to
that of the Palmertown mountains, and like that

52 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

declines gi'adually to the west until it comes in
contact with another spur from the same source,
called the Sacanadaca or Sacandao;a mountains,
which terminate at or near the Little Falls on the
Mohawk ; this range is in the county of Mont-
gomery.

The waters of the Sacandaga river, one of tlie
principal branches of the Hudson, have their
source in this latter range of mountains, and col-
lecting their scattered branches, they pursue an
easterly course, and passing through tlie Kayade-
rosseras mountains unite with the Hudson. These
waters now pursue a southerly course for a few
miles only, when they again strike off to the east,
and continuing the course, pass through the Palm-
ertown mountains, and in the vicinity of Glen's
Falls again take a southerly direction, and pur-
sue it with but little variation to the city of New-
York.

In tlie passage of thes'c waters through tlic
mountains, they form numerous rapids, cascades
and cataracts, which present some of the most
wikl, romantic and picturesque scenery of which
the country can boast.

These mountains comprise the primitive region
ill this countv. The rock formations which con>

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 63

pose the regular constituent parts of these el^a-
ted ridges consist of the following ;

Granite.

Sienite.

Gneiss.

Mica Slate.

Steatite.

Granular Lime Stone.

Granite

Discovers itself in a number of places along
the whole extent of the Palriiertown range. It
rises to the top of some of the highest peaks of
the mountain near where the Hudson crosses it,
and is again met with in some of the vallies. At
the southern termination of this mountainous
range, in the immediate vicinity of the transition
formation, and within a mile of the mineral waters
at Saratoga Springs, there is an extensive mass of
granite considerably elevated and lying across
the course of the mountain nearly east and west.
The surface of this range of granite is exposed for
the distance of more than a mile, and it is the last
of the primitive rocks which make tlicir appear-
ance in this direction until . we reach the High-
lands below Newburgh, a distance of more than
one hundred miles, where they again occur, and
the appearance seems to justify the opinion that

E*

54 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

4hey constitute a part of the same range. Sucb
is the situation of the valley or basm between
these two distant points, that the Highlands may
be distinctly seen over it, on a clear day, from
almost any point on the last mentioned range of
granite at Saratoga Springs.,

On the west side of the mountain, where the
land slopes off towards the Kayaderosseras, gi'ani-.
ite frequently presents itself in extensive ridges,
sometimes exhibiting its own well defined surface,
and sometimes supporting masses of sienite or
gneiss, which run into each other; and in tliis
manner it hkewise combines with mica slate, and
although each rock is distinctly marked, yet they
are so intimately combined at their union as to
render it difficult to determine the exact line of
theii' meeting.

On tlie Kayaderosseras mountains the granite
discovers itself towards their southern termination
and along their highest ridges. It is very con-
spicuous along the slope of the mountains on their
western sides in the town of Providence. It like-
wise breaks through the gneiss, or rises above it
in several places in the precipitous parts of the
raountains on their eastern aspect in the towns of
Greenfield, Corinth and Iladley.

GEOLOGICA.L REMARKS. 55.

In the town of Day, on the north side of the
Sacandaga river, and not far from the road lead-
ing through the mountain along the valley of the
river from Hadley to Edinburgh, there is an ex-
tensive range of beautiful flesh coloured granite.
It rises through the gneiss which lies on both sides
of it, and occupying a direction nearly southwest
and northeast, may be traced a distance of some
miles. It consists almost entirely of feldspar in a
highly cr\'stalline state, and contains some nodules
of quartz and rarely some small specimens of
mica.

Most of the granite which occurs in this region
is of a Coarse granular structure, having its usual
constituents variously combined. Sometimes it
consists almost entirely of feldspar and quartz.
In some specimens the mica is in excess, and in
others the mica and quartz are scarcely discover-
able, and frequently all three are so intimately
combined as to make it difficult to determine
wliich is in excess.

Sometimes the granite occurs in veins passing
tlirough gneiss, in which case it is highly crystal-
line, and its constituent parts may be easily sepa-
rated, often with a single blow of the hammer.

56 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Gneiss.

This constitutes by far the greater proportion of
the primitive rocks in this region. It composes
almost the whole of the eastern face of the Palm-
ertown mountains, except being occasionally in-
terrupted by the granite. It extends to the west
along the slope of those mountains to within a
mile of the Kayaderosseras ; and these last moun-
tains are almost entirely composed of it. Where
the Sacandaga river crosses this range, the moun-
tains, which are several hundred feet in height,
particularly on the north side, approach it in
frightful precipices, which are entirely composed
of this rock.

it is usually found resting on granite ; but in
some places it is observed to alternate with sien-
ite, but more frequently with mica slate. It dif-
fers much in its composition ; being in some
instaiices composed almost entirely of mica and
quartz, and in others of mica, quartz, feldspar
and hornblend. Sometimes the feldspar is want-
ing altogether, and sometimes the mica is deficient.
They are all in fine particles and much diffused
m the mass.

Sienite, or Hornblend Rock,
Occurs in several places along the western
dcchvity of the Palmertown mountains, and along

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 57

the southciTi termination of the Kayaderosscras
mountains in the town of Providence. It is ob-
sciTed in other places combined with gneiss or
aheniating with mica slate. It docs not, how-
ever, appear to occirpy a very extensive space in
the formation of this region.

Mica Slate.

This rock occurs near and along the southern
termination of the primitive region in the town of
Greenfield. A little below Fitch's mills it forms
a distinct stratification, and along the mountains
to the north and northeast it rests on the gneiss,
and is observed to form veins or seams in several
places in the granite. It exhibits fragments of
an extensive stratification both on the Palmer-
town and Kayaderosscras mountains.

Steatite, Soap-Stone, or Talcose Rock,

Occurs at or near the foot of the Palmertown
mountains in the town of Moreau ; it occurs
likewise near the top of the mountain in the town
of Corinth, and again in the town of Greenfield.
They all appear to be of the same dcscri])tion
and evidently belong to the variety termed pot-
Ptone. The locality in Moreau appears to be
extensive. It is covered by granular limestone,
through a fissure of which, the specimens which

58 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

I have were procured. I have several other
specimens which I strongly suspect came from
one of the above localities, although they were
represented to me as coming from another quar-
ter. They were procured by some infatuated
money diggers, and they were exhibited under a
pretence or belief that they contained the pre-
cious metals.

Granular Limestone.

This occurs in the immediate vicinity of the
foregoing formation, and appears to rest upon it.
It enters largely into the formation of the Palmer-
town mountain at a place about two miles north
from its southern termination. All which I have-*
examined is of a coarse granular structure, and
in its general character and appearance strongly
resembles the Bennington and Shaftsbury mar-
bles. It is easily worked, and when pure receives
a fine polish. Most of the specimens, however,
contain crystals of feldspar diffused throughout
the mass in such abundance as to render it in a
great measure unfit for the operations of the
chisel. It is probable, nevertheless, that when
those localities come to be properly explored,
specimens sufficiently pure may be procured for
all the useful purposes to which marble is
applied.

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 59

Every thing conspires to induce the beUef that
these primitive regions have undergone great and
important changes since the period of their
formation. Fragments -of these rocks, exactly
corresponding with those in place, are strewed in
immense quantities all over the county in the form
of sand, water- worn pebbles, rounded stones and
bowlders, specimens of which, weighing many
tons, arc found at the distance of some miles
from their parent rock resting on earth which
covers secondary limestone.

The minerals which have been observed con-
nected with the primitive formation of this region,
are tourmaline, garnets, beryl, sulphuret of mo-
lyi^dena, graphite, spodumene, iron in the form of
magnetic hematite and sulphuret, chrysobcryl,*
prismatic and laminated mica, coccolitc, &,c.

Transition Formation.

The rocks which are distinctly marked as be-
longing to this class in this region are —

Pudding Stone, or Conglomerate,
(iiiarlzosc, or Coarse Siliceous Sand Stone.

• Tlii-! rnro mineral occurs in veins of granite running through
gu'Mf's m two or tlirco placo, from wliich some beautiful speci-
mens liavu been obtuincd.

60 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Metalliferous, or Mountain Lime Stone.
Argillagceous Slate.
Gray Wacke and Gray Wacke Slate.
Siliceous and Calcareous Sand Stone.

Pudding Stone.*

This formation occurs in the town of Green-
field, not far from its south line, on the southeast
side of the Kayaderosseras mountain, distinctly
resting on the primitivo rocks. It consists prin-
cipally of rounded pebbles of quartz, from the
size of a small shot to that of a man's head, and
larger, united into one common mas§ by a kind
of coarse ferruginous sand. The rounded masses
which characterize this formation are much the
largest at its conimencement, or where it unites
with the primitive rocks, and they regularly de-
crease in size as we climb up the series, until it
passes into a uniform quartzose, or coarse silice-
ous sand stone, which overlays or alternates with
it over a considerable extent of this part of the
county. Broken rounded fragments of this for*
mation are found all over the county, and in

*This formation, with the succeeding one, answers well tt»
the description given by Eaton, of the niillstonc-grit of the canal
district; but its situation here peremptorily forbids lis being
placed among tlie secondary rocks.

GEOLOGICAL BEMARES. * CI

great 'abundance along the valley between the
Palmertown and Kayaderosseras mountains.

Quartiosc or Coarse Siliceous Sand Stone.

Tliis formation occupies an extensive space
along the valley betvreen the Palmertown and
Kayaderosseras mountains, and is found along
the eastern declivity of the latter mountain, near
its southern termination, in thin and horizontal
strata, in some places alternating with conglome-
j-ute or passing into it. Near the foot of the
iuountain it inclines a little to the southeast, and
disappears beneath more recent formations.

This formation is generally of a reddish brown
color, particularly where the surface has been
exposed to the weather. It is, however, fre-
quently white or greyish white ; and at or near
the falls on tlie Hudson at Iladlcy, it passes into
and alternates with a kind of rubblestone of a
I:)lueish cast, which slightly cfTervesces with acids
and sometimes contains calcareous spar.*

* Pr'iK.-sor F.atoii has described this fonnation as bcin;',
jiriui.tiv, ri'id iiufjUoriS tlic occurrcncu uf an intervening stra-
'.■na of iinddinq ifone as a rt-fnarliahle circumstance. I once
• Tjt'.rtairii-d I'n; - iine (i|.i':!'jn, hut a nHjrc careful investigation
la.- put lu li'-_vi':i.i ;i ii-i,',i tliat tlii^ is a Iransiilmi lurinalioii,
•) -I u()yi'iL' 'li'j ^'U'^ui o\ A '"d^.a\ formed by the sarroundm;;
j':;':i;i.! .e iii''i:i: .u : ■.

7

62 • GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Metalliferous, or Mountain Lime Roc'k.

This formation occurs in the town of Green-
field, on an elevated ridge of land in the valley
between the Palmertown and Kayaderosseras
mountains, and evidently reposes on the foregoing
sand stone. This locality is not very extensive,
and I am not aware of its occurring at any other
place, although it ver)^ probably may, along the
course of the same valley which occupies the
space between those primitive spurs for nearly
twenty miles.

Argillaceous Slate,

This formation appears to underlay the greater
part of the county that is not included in the
primitive region. It forms the bed of the Hudson
to a little above Baker's Falls, opposite Moreau,
and ihat ■; f the JNIohawk to above Schenectady.
It is likewise observable in tlie interior of the
couMty, at tiie bottom and along the shores of the
lakes, both at Saratoga and liallston ; and it
forms the shores or banks of most of the streams
that ])ass to the southward of t!ie secondary for-
mation, but it has not yet been observed to make
its appearance between this last and the primitive
rocks.

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.* 63

The layers of this rock are much curved, par-
ticularly along the southern parts of the county,
and possess a considerable elevation to the norih-
Avest ; but as it approaches towards the seconda-
ry rock, to the north, its layers become straight,
are evidently less inclined, and separate into thin
plates, some of which appear suitable for roof
slate. The seams and fissures of these layers
arc frequently filled with calcareous' spar ; and
at Bakers Falls large masses of this substance
arc imbedded in the rock. It is extremely liable
to disintegration where the surface is exposed ;
and in many places it breaks into regular rhom-
bick tables, whose fracture is always parallel to
their sides, evincing a crystalline character.

Some specimens of this rock are glazed with
black lead, which when handled soils the fingers;
and from this circumstance, some inexperienced
geologists have mistaken it for bituminous shale,
a substance which probably will not be found in
this district.

Large masses of chlorite, milky quartz, and
sometimes red jasper, are likewise found, citiier
imbedded in tills formation or passing through it
in liie form of veins ; and the sulphuret of iron,
in beautiful golden colored crystals of various
forms, occurs in great abundance, either in seams

t>i GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

or imbedded in its substance. The decomposi-
tion of this latter substance probably gives origin
to tlie suljihurous icatcrs which are found in tliis
region, and likewise to the efflorescence so often
met with on the sides and walls of this rock.
This efflorescence is either the sulphate of irorij
lime or alumine, and sometimes consists of al-
three.

Siliceous slate appears to be im]:)edded in tlic-
argillite, rather than forming a separate stratum.
It is of a black flint like appearance, possessing a
concoidal fracture, and has a dark shining as-
pect. It occurs in large irregular masses in the
argillaceous slate on the egst side of Saratoga
lake, and likewise along tlie southern parts of the
liounty

Gray-Waclic.
Wherever this rock is found in this region, ir
rests on the argillaceous slate, and in someplace-.-^
is obsen'ed to alternate with it. It forms the sum-
mit of most of the insolatcd elevations through-
out the southern pai'ts of the country. It occu-
pies a considerable space along the highlands
which i-un parallel to the Hudson through tlie
t^wns of Saj'atoga and Stillwater, and enters
largely into the composition of Bemus' Heights^

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 65

It is observable again along the souUicrn pari? of
Ballson and Charlton, where it runs into, and al-
ternates with gray-wacke slate. This last dillorj
but little from the former, excepting it is more
slaty in its structure. Along the cast side of Sar-
atoga Lake, and at several other places, they
have a considerable declination to the southeast ;
but in Charlton tlieir position is nearly horizontal.
In some places the strata of this formation c.vc
curiously oontorted and bent, furnishing iritcrest-
ing views for the speculations of the scientific ge-
ologist.

Siliceous and Calcareous SamJ Stone.

These rocks occur all alonu the eastorn aud
sQuthern termination of the primitive region, vvka
which in many places they appear to come near-
ly in contact. They appear in the banks oi" the
Hudson a little below Glen's Yo\U, and they aiC
Mivy conspicuous along the south part of tiie to% . a
of Greenfield at the foot of the Kayadcrossoras,
when they pursue the course of that prinilii>o
tract to its southern termination in the town of
Galvvay. They then take a western ccnirse into
the county of Montgomery. In Greenndd and
Corinth this formation occupies a narrow si)ac.i
along the eastern foot of the Kayaderosscias
mountain for the distance of several miies ; aud
the same formation occurs again on its opposiio

66 GEOLOGICAL REMAUKS.

side, along the foot of the Sacandaga mountairis,
and it is of this stone that tlie piers of the elegant
state bridge over the Sacandaga river near the
Fish House are constructed. Indeed, some of
the rocks at this place approach very nearly to
compact lime-stone, and contain organic remains.

Horn stone is found in great abundance im-
bedded in the calcareous sand stone ; and calca-
reous spar, beautifully crystalized and possessing
a vaiiety of colors, occurs in both. Some of
these rocks contain in their fissures and cavities
beautiful and very perfect six sided crystals of
quartz. These occur in great abundance among
the calcareous sand stones in tlie vicinity of the
mineral springs at Saratoga, and arc presented to
the curious under the appellation of diamonds.
Some small specimens of these crj'stals have been
found in tlie loose earth about these rocks, having
regular sides, with both terminations entire, and
possessing a brilliancy but little inferior to the
diamond itself

The siliceous sand stone in some places seems
to pass into a kind of ajnygdaloidal 7'ock, which
effervesces but slightly with acids. Its cavities^
which arc numerous, are lined with chalcedony.
This frequently occupies the whole space, but
sometimes forms gcodcs, the msides of which ajc

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 67

Studded with small brilliant cr}'stals of quartz, or
a variety of crystalized spar. The walls of these
gcodes not unfrcqucntly pass into agate, cxliibiting
its zigzag pai'allel lines very distinctly.

Most of the calcareous and siliceous sand stone
of tliis region are easily wrought, and they bear
the effects of a high temperature well ; they arc
therefore used in Galvvay for the backs and
jambs to cliimncys. They have been likewise
extensively quarried in Greenfield for the con-
struction of tlie locks on the northern canal ; and
at Saratoga Springs they are used altogether for
the foundations of buildings.

Secondary Formatiou.

The rocks which compose the regular scries of
thi.3 fjrmation arc —

Compact Lime-stbnc,
Shell Lime-stone, and
Oolite.

This lime-stone formation passes into the coui:-
ty at Glen's Falls, and pursuing a southwesterly
direction, occuj)ics a narrow space along the
course of the primitive region, and not far from it
throuiih the towns of iMorcau, Willon, Sarat<'<:p,

68 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Springs, Milton, Galway, and so into the county
of Montgomery.

The connection of this formation with the tran-
sition rocks is very obvious at a Uttle distance be-
low Glen's Falls, where it is first observed to al-
ternate with calcareous and siliceous sand stone,
and folloiving the stream still further down, these
last rocks alternate with gray-wacke and gray-
wacke slate, which finally rest on the argillaceous
slate, not far above Baker's Falls, in the town of
Moreau.

Both the compact and shell lime-stone occur
in the same series of strata, constituting distinct
layers, which overlay each other at irregular in-
tervals. They are of a dark blue color, and the
compact is susceptible of a fine polish, and is
used for ornamental work of various kinds.
Both, when properly burned, form a very pure
lime, giving out when first heated, a strong sul-
phurous odour.

The shell lime-stone differs very materially
ti-om the compact, being more loose in its texture,
and consisting nearly altogether of organic re-
mains, the forms of which are perfect and entire ;
among which have been recognized celleporites,
pectenites, orthoceralitcs, amonites, cardites, gry-

GEOLOGICAL RE5L1IIKS. Gf>

phites, coralliiiites, terebratulites, ostn'atitcs. and
belcmnites.

Oolite.

Tliis formation had not been known as consti-
tuting a part of the regular scries of rocks in the
United States until it was discovered in this coun-
ty. It occurs at a place about two mites north
west from the village of Saratoga Springs, ai;id
within half a mile of the ridge of granite rocks
which terminate the southernmost point bfthc
Palmertown mountains. From this spot it stretch-
es across tlic valley which separates the Palmer-
town from the Kayaderosseras mountains, and
probably may yet be traced around the termina-
tion of the latter mountains to those of the Sacan-
daga, and possibly along the whole extent of
these primitive spurs of what professor Eaton has
termed " the M'Comb Mountains."

The calcareous concretions which characterize
and identify this formation, are fur the most part
arranged in successive layers throughout the stra-
ta in which they appear. They are globular, of
the size of mustard seed, possess a shining black
color, and are cvidtnilly composed of concentric
layers. They are united in the mass by a calci .

70 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

reous cement, more or less granular, combined
with fine siliceous sand.

More than one half of the whole mass of some
of the strata which constitute the scrieSiof this
formation, consist of these globular concretions ;
in others they are more sparingly diflused, and
some of the strata appear to be composed alto-
gether of a calcareo-siliceous sand, without the
intervention of a single globule. They are most-
ly of a dark gray color, but they are in many
places rendered brown by the intervention of fer-
ruginous particles.

From a cursory examination, at the time this
formation was first observed, I was induced to
believe that it rested on the transition rocks ; but
a more careful investigation has satisfied me that
it rests on secondary or shell lime-stone. This
lime-stone differs somewhat from that which I
have before described ; it is of a lighter color,
less compact in its structure, the organic remains
are more equally diffused throughout the strata,
which are thinner, and are frequently separated
by thin layers of aluminous slate, which, in some
places, is nearly identified with the lime-stone.
Can this be the lias of the European geologists ?
and is this shale tiie lias day which in England is
known to be impregnated with muriate of soda

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 71

and other salts ? and the same in which the min-
eral springs at Cheltenham and Gloucester are
said to rise ? If it should be so, we shall find
but little difficulty in accounting for the origin of
some qf the salina ingredients found in the mineral
waters at Saratoga ; but it must be left to further
investigation to determine this subject.

Diluvial and Alluvial Foruiatious.

Diluvial and alluvial deposits cover a great
proportion of the secondary and transition rocks
throughout the county, in the form of thick beds
of sand and clay and fragments of rocks more or
less rounded by attrition.

The diluvial inrludes generally all those lands
that are usually termed pine j-lains, extending from
the northern to the southern limits of the county,
forming a part of a range which fallows the course
of the Hudson for more tlian four hundred miles
between the primitive mountains.

But little is as yet known of the depth or interior
j)r.')perties of this immense body of earth. It has
seldom l.'cen ojicned to any extent but for the
purposes of ol)laining water, which is usually found
at a depth of from ten to twenty-five feet, in a
coarse loose sand resting on aluminous marl, or
between this first stratum and anotlu^r at no great
distance beneath. AV^hcn water is found to occur

72 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

over the marl, it is usually very pure, combines
readily with soap, and is what, in common lan-
guage, is termed soft ; but when it occurs be-
tween the strata of marl, it possesses properties
which give it the appellation of hard ; it decom-
poses soap without forming a pure suds, and con-
tains lime, magnesia, &c. usually combined with
sulphm-ic or muriatic acid.

Wherever this formation has been exposed to
any considerable depth, it presents a stratified
structure consisting of regular and well defined
strata of different colored sand or earth, or coarse
and fine gravel regularly arranged. Sometimes
these strata are separated by thin layers of marl
or clay, and sometimes by the argillaceous oxide
of iron. They are horizontal, inclined or undu-
lating at diiferent places.

Marl appears to underla}-' or form a constituent
part of almost the whole of the diluvial deposits
of this county ; it is mostly argillaceous, but some
specimens contain from forty to sixty per cent, of
lime, and are evidently calcareous.

Argillaceous oxide of iron (bog ore) occurs in
a number of places, imbedded in the sandy dilu-
vial. On the plains between Saratoga and Ball-
.ston Spa, it was formerly found in ^uincicnt quan-

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS 73

tities to supply a forge for a number of years,
which produced from fifty to seventy tons of
wrought or bar iron annually.

The alluvial formation is found along the banks
of streams and at the bottoms of vallies ; it con-
sists of beds of clay or marl, interrupted at inter-
vals by layers of quicksand, and sometimes by
that of vegetable remains.

Every thing in this extensive region of diluvial
lUid alluvial deposits conspire to induce the belief
that it once formed the bottom of an immense
fresh water lake, which must have existed subse-
quent to the retiring of the oceanic waters, in
which were deposited the lime and other secon-
dary rocks which contain the remains of marine
animals in such abundance : but as the discussion
of this subject is not necessarily connected with
the object of the woj-k before us, it is deemed in-
expedient to pursue it any further at this time,

llavinf; thus given a concise account of the (lis-
covcry and setlljrucnt of the Springs, and a gene-
ral view of the geological features of the coimli)-
in wliich they are .situated, (preliriiinanes iniorosf-
:ng and ini[)ortant.) I shall nf)W [)roceed to an
( xarnination ijilo ih*; cliaracler and properlic- I'f
i!ie watc TK.

EXAMINATION

OF THE

HI I i\r: R A L WATERS.

Sicii is the solvent power of water, that it is
seldom, if ever, found perfectly pure or free from
foreign ingredients. Rain and snow water, when
collected in the open country, remote from towns
or villages, and immediately after their descent,
are the most pure of any used for domestic pur-
poses ; but even these arc not entirely free from
impurities.

TIiC waters of springs, wells, rivers, lakes and
ponds are still more impure, owing to their con-
taining a larger proportion of foreign substances
in solution or in a state of suspension ; but it is
seldom that these contain sufficient quantities to
render them altogether unfit for domestic uses ;
when this docs happen, they ai'c styled mineral

WATERS.

Mineral waters arc those which contain so large
a j)roportion of foreign matter as to render them
unfit for culiuarv or other domestic uses. Thev

7G EXAMINATIOxV OF THE WATERS.

possess a distinguishing flavor, and when taken
into the stomach produce distinct medicinal effects.
They have been, for the conveniency of descrip-
tion, divided into distinct classes, each class re-
ceiving an appropriate name from the prominent
character given to the water by the articles held
in solution. Hence we have

Acidulous waters, those which contain so large
a proportion of carbonic acid as to give them a
distinguishing character ;

Chalybeate waters, containing iron in some of
its soluble combinations ;

SaUiie W'aters, those which contain one or more
of the saline purging salts ;

Sulphureous waters, those which contain sul-
j)liurctted hydrogen either in a combined or un-
combined state.

It not unfrequently happens that the same foun-
tain contains all the foregoing distinguishing in-
gredients, particularly the three first, in which case
it is styled an acidulous salu\e chalybeate
WATER. To this class belong the famous mineral
waters of Saratoga.

EXAMrVATION OP THE WATERS. 77

Tlicse celebrated waters occur along the
southern termination of the secondary, and in the
immediate vicinity of the transition formation.
They are scattered along a line running nearly
east and west, for the distance of about twenty
miles. At Ballston Spa there are a number of
these springs, some of which make their appear-
ance at the surface through alluvial deposits of
plastic clay, or marl and sand, while others have
been obtained by boring to a considerable depth
in the transition slate which here forms the basis
on which rests the alluvial deposits. Bctv^-een
this place and the village of Saratoga Springs,
there are several of these fountains of less note
situated both in the transition and secondary for-
mations. At Saratoga Springs they are more
numerous, and diversified in their sensible quali-
ties, than at any other place. They discover
themselves, in great numbers, for the distance of
more than a mile along the valley, in marl, which
rests on secondary lime-stone. They occur again
in the southeast part of the old town of Saratoga,
at a place called the Quaker Springs. The rock
formation at tlii.i place is transition slate.

All the waters of tliese numerous fountains ap-
pear to ])ossess the same or nearly the same <ianl-

78 EXAMINATION OF THE WATERS.

ities, differing in their medicinal properties only,
in the quantities of the articles which are held in
solution.

I shall now proceed to a separate and distinct
examination of all those fountains which have
excited attention either from their notoriety, or
their sensible qualities ; and I commence with
the Congress Spring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

CONGRESS SPRING.

This truly celebrated fountain is situated on
the west side of a narrow strip of low marshy
ground, close to the foot of a beautiful little cas-
cade, formed by a small limpid stream which
bursts from the earth only about fifty yards west-
erly from the spot. The spring was first discov-
ered, as heretofore stated, during the summer of
1702.* At that time the water made its appear-
ance through a small aperture in the side of a cal-
careous rock, whose margin formed the border
of the brook. Here it was caught in tumblers as
it issued from tiie rock in a small stream, and this
formed the only resource for obtaining the water
for several years after its discovery ; but the
quantity afforded was found altogether insuffi-
cient, even at that early period of its use, to
satisfy the demands of its visitants ; it therefore

• Jolin Taylor Gilnian, who has since been governor of the
slate of iS'cw-llaiiipbhire, atid a brother of his, were in company
wlien ihiH spring was first noticed, but it is not no^^• certainly
known which of the two first discovered it.

80 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

became desirable to obtain a larger quantity, and
with a view to effect this object, some efforts
were made which unfortunately resulted in com-
pletely obstructing the passage of the water, and
for a time the spring was supposed to be irre-
trievably lost.

Not long after this accident, Mr. Putnam, a
gentleman whose name I have already had occa-
sion to mention, who then resided near the spot,
and who ranked among the most enterprizing of
the early settlers, observed bubbles of gas break-
ing through the water in the middle of the brook,
a few feet south and east from the site of the
former fountain. Governed by the hope of be-
ing able to recover the original fountain, he turn-
ed the stream from its course, and having cxca^
vated the earth to the depth of about eight feet,
discovered a strong mineral water rising in vari-
ous places through a very liard and compact
stratum of indurated marl imbedded with round-
ed pebbles and coarse gravel. He prepared a
square tube made of strong plank, about ten
inches in diameter, and of sufficient length to
reach from the bottom of the excavation to a
little above the surface ; this he placed upriglit
in the well, and, having adjusted the lower end so
as to include a number of these separate little
fountains, replaced the earth firmly around ii, and

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRIXQS. 81

thus secured to posterity the possession of a min-
eral water which, for its peculiar medicinal prop-
erties, stands unrivalled.

In this curb, which is perfectly tight, the water
rises to a few inches above the surface of the
brook, which still passes close to the spring, and
hero it becomes stationary. A little below this
point, however, it is suffered to escape through a
small aperture made in the side of the curb for
the purpose. At this aperture, when the spring
is not disturbed, the water issues at the rate of
something less than a gallon per minute. The
quantity of water, however, which the fountain
affords, seems to be inexhaustible, for when the
pressure has been removed by lessening the col-
umn of water in the curb, as when it has been
rapidly dipped out, it rushes in with such rapidity
that it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to re-
move the whole contents of the well.

Pli|Tsical Properties of the 'Water.

The surface of the well is constantly agitated
by the escape of gas in ffne bubbles, giving the
appearance of simmering, not unlike tiiat wiiich
water exliibits just before the process of violent
ebullition lakes place.

82 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

When first dipped, the water is remarkably
hmped and sparkling, and were it not for the
constant escape of gas in innumerable fine points,
it would be perfectly transparent. It however
becomes turbid after standing a short time ex-
posed to the air ; a delicate white pellicle forms
on its surface, which terminates in a reddish
brown sediment. This sediment is likewise ob-
servable in the well, being incrustated on the
walls of the curb and along the surface, over
which the water makes its egress to the adjoin-
ing brook.

Transparent glasses and bottles which have
been much used in the water, or in which the
water has been suffered to stand for any length
of time, become tarnished, and though carefully
washed, retain a strong iridescent stain.

Its saline and gaseous properties are very per-
ceptible to the palate, and to most persons not
offensive. When swallowed, its effects depend
in a great measure upon the state of the stomach
at the time of receiving it, and upon the quantity
drank. When taken, however, in a moderate
draught, by a person in tolerable health, the sen-
sation is seldom, if ever, unpleasant ; and to those
who are in the habitual use of it, particularly in
the hot season, it is a deli<ihtful beverase.

DESCRIPTION OP THE SPRINGS. 83

Its most obvious effect, when taken into the
stomach as a medicine, is that of a cathartic and
diuretic. In most habits this effect is produced
by drinking from four to six half pints in the
morning before eating. Soon after taking it, the
person feels a sense of fullness about the stomach
and bowels, attended with frequent eructations of
fixed air, a slight giddiness of the head, and a sen-
sation bordering on a disposition to sleep. These
feelings, however, are soon removed by the copi-
ous discharges that almost immediately follow,
leaving the stomach with an increased appetite
for food, and a disposition for exercise unattended
with languor.

The respiration of all breathing animals is im-
mediately affected by coming in close contact
with the surface of this fountain. The gas which
issues from it is immediately fatal to the lives of
animals which happen to be immersed in it, and
even fishes and frogs survive but a short time
when placed in the water.

Flour, when made into a paste or dougii with
the water frcsli from the sj)ring, and immediately
baked, forms a tolerably light bread while warm ;
but when cold, it becomes clammy and heavy like
milcavoned ])read. The water is much uscmI by
the country people for making " hot cakes." The

84 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

flour is mixed with the water and a quantity of
sour cream, and i& ready for baking as soon as
the ingredients are sufficiently ,lcneeded together.
It forms a very palatable hot cake, and recom-
mends itself on account of the expedition with
which it is prepared.

Preliminary Observations.

The temperature of the water of this spring, as
shown by Fahrenheit's thermometer when im-
mersed in the bottom of the well, is 50 deg., and
it does not appear to suffer any sensible variation
either during the summer or winter months. At
a time when the thermometer in the open air
stood at 14 deg. below zero, and at another, when
it was 90 deg. above, the water at the bottom of
the well was still at 50 deg.

The specific gravity of the water at the tempe-
rature of (30 deg., the barometer ranging at 29.5
inches, is 1009.7, pure water being one thousand.
Excessive wet, or long seasons of dry weather,
seem to produce a slight variation from this result ;
but repeated experiments, made at different peri-
ods and under various circumstances of season,
&c. for tlic space of more than twenty years,
have in no instance produced a deviation of more
than the 0.5 of a iirain.

©"ESCRIPTION OP THE SPRINGS. 85

A thin, transparent glass flask was filled with
the water fresh from the spring, a thermometer
was immersed in it, and the whole placed in a
sand bath, to which the heat was gradually ap-
plied.

At the temperature of 65 deg., there was a
perceptible increase of air bubbles formed at the
bottom of the flask, and passuig up in rapid suc-
cession through the water.

At 80 deg. the water became much aghated
by tiic rapid disengagement of the gas, and its
transparency slightly affected by a faint milky
ai)pcarance.

At 100 deg. tlie commotion in the water, from
the abundant escape of gas, continued to increase
as the temperature advanced, and the milkiness
became mure conspicuous.

At 150 dog. the profusion of air bubbles con-
tmucd, and there appeared a very delicate white
j)f;llicle forming on tlie surface of the water, and
the turijidncss assumed a browiiish shade.

At 180 (leg. the air bubbles still continued to
♦jscape in great abundance, and the pelhcle ap-
peared broken and began to be ileposited, togeth-
II

86 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRIXGS.

er with a light flaky powder, which accumulated
at the bottom of the flask.

At 200 deg. the water became less turbid, and
the escape of gas had nearly ceased. It was
then suffered to boil for the space of half an hour,
and then removed from the sand bath; and when
cold, it became nearly clear and exhibited an a-
bundance of a reddish brown sediment. It had
lost its pungent acid flavor, but was decidedly
more saline.

ExperiMiCMts ^vitli Tests.

Exp. 1. Lime water, added in considerable
quantity, produced a milky turbidness, which ter-
minated in a pulverulent white precipitate. This
effect is not produced on water that has been
previousl}^ boiled.

Exp. 2. Tincture of litmus produced a light
red colour, when added to water just dipped from
the wxll. Litmus paper was likewise reddened by
plunging it into the water and retaining it there a
few minutes ; the blue colour of the litmus paper
was, however, restored on exposing it for a few
minutes to the air, or on drying it by the fire.
The water, after being boiled, had no effect on
the colour of htmus paper ; but strips of this pa-

EXPERIMENTS WITH TEST*. 87

per, reddened with distilled vinegar and then
dipped into the water, had its blue colour re-
stored.

Exp. 3. Tincture of red cabbage produced a
beautiful green colour, and this was effected as
readily after the water had been boiled as before ;
the effect, however, was best displayed on water
that had been considerably concentrated by evap-
oration.

Exp. 4. Tincture of turmeric was converted
into an orange colour when added to a quantity
of the water, and when the water had been much
concentrated by boiling, it was im'mediately con-
verted into a brick red.

Exp. 5. Tincture of nutgalls, dropped into the
water when taken recently from the spring, in-
stantly produced a light purple tinge, which be-
came much deeper after standing some time ex-
posed to the air. No such eftect was produced
on water that had been previously boiled.

Exp. C). Prussiate of potash produced a slight
green tinge, whicii, after standing some lime, be-
came azuie. Tiiis experiment succeeded best
when the water had been previously saturated
with sulphuric or muriatic acid ; it then termina-

88 Congress spring.

ted in producing a precipitate of Prussian blue-
On water that had been boiled, or suffered to
stand for some time exposed to the air, the prus^-
siate of potash had no sensible effect.

Exp. 7. Muriate of barytes, after standing
some minutes mixed with the water fresh from
the fountain, produced a slight cloudiness, which
terminated in a white precipitate, which was en-
tirely dissolved with effervescence in muriatic
acid. When the water liad been considerably
concentrated, the precipitate was formed much
more rapidly.

Exp. 8. Bar^^tic water, when mixed with the
water considerably concentrated by boiling, pro-
duced a white precipitate, which, like tliat in Exp.
7, was entirely dissolved with effervescence in
muriatic acid.

Exp. 9. Oxalic acid produced an immediate
active effervescence, which was succeeded by a
dense white precipitate.

Exp. 10. Oxalate of ammonia produced an
immediate turbidness, which terminated in a copi-
ous white precipitate ; when applied to water that
had been boiled for some time, a slight change in.
its transparency only was produced.

EXPERIMENTS WITH TESTS. 89

Exp. 1 1 . Carbonate of ammonia, when added
in considerable quantities, produced a faint milky
turbidness ; but, on the addition of the phosphate
of soda, a copious white granular precipitate was
immediately formed.

Exp. 12. Pure ammonia produced an immedi-
ate change in the transparency of the water, .which
was followed by a copious precipitate.

Exp. 13. Pure potash produced nearly" the
same effect.

Exp. 14. Sulphuric acid produced an instan-
taneous and very rapid effervescence, which re-
sulted in an abundant white precipitate.

Exp. 15. Nitric and muriatic acid produced a
similar discngagoinent of gas, but their effect was
not followed by a pr jcij)itate of any kind.

Exp. 10. Nitrate of silver produced a thick
cloud, which immediately collected into flakes and
fell to the bottom of tho vessel in great abund-
ance. This effect was the same on water that
hat! been boiled as on that which had not. The
precipitate was of a white curdy appearance
when first produced, but. soon became of a dark
muddy colour. This change of colour, however^

so CONGRESS SPRING.

did not take place when the vessel containing
the mixture was kept excluded from the rays of
Kght

Exp. 17. Muriate of platina produced no ef-
fect, either on water fresh from the fountain, or
on that which had been previously boiled ; but
by evaporating two gallons of the water by a
slow heat, until cubic crj^stals began to form, fil-
tering the remaining liquor and again evaporating
until its bulk was much reduced by the crystalli-
zation of its saline ingredients, and then adding a
small quantity of this test to the remaining solu-
tion, a very minute quantity of a bright yellow
precipitate was produced.

Exp. 18. Chlorine gas. To a portion of the
solution obtained from four gallons of water, in
the manner related in the foregoing experiment,
a quantity of chlorine gas was transmitted, which
immediately converted the liquid into a reddish
yellow colour. A small quantity of pure sulphu-
ric ether dissolved the coloring substance of the
solution, becoming itself of a hyacinth red tint ;
and this was again rendered colourless, by the ad-
dition of a drop or two of costic potash.

Exp. 19. A solution of starch was added to a
^rortion of the water, containing the soluble salts.

INFERENCES. 91

evaporated until crystallization commenced ; to
this solution a few drops of dilute sulpuric acid
was added, which gave to the whole solution a
deep violet colour, which was destroyed by the
introduction of a stream of chlorine.

INFERENCES,

Drawn from the foregoing observations and ex-
periments. •

1st. That this fountain has its source at a great
depth in the earth, as is evinced from the regular-
ity of its temperature at various and extreme states
of the atmosphere, and from the circumstance
of its being but slightly affected by wet and dry
weather.

2d. That the water of this fountain retains its
original properties, or its medicinal qualities, the
same at least as they were twenty years ago, as is
evinced by the uniformity of its specific gravity
during that period.

3d. That it contains a large proportion of a gas-
eous material in a free and in a combined state,
as is made evident by the eflects produced by the
application of heat.

92 CONGRESS SPRING.

4th. That* the gas so copiously evolved from
the water is the carbonic acid or fixed air, as is
inferred from Exp. 1 and 2.

5th. That the water contains a carbonated al-
kaH, agreeably to Exp. 3 and 4.

Gth. That oxide of iron forms one of the con-
stituent properties of the water, and that it is held
in solution by an excess of carbonic acid, agi'eea-
bly to Exp. 5 and 6.

7th. That it does not contain sulphuric acid un-
der any form or combination, as is evinced from
the action of muriate of barytcs and barytic water ;
the effect which these tests produce being referi-
ble to their union with a carbonated alkaK. See
Exp. 7 and 8.

8th. That it contains carbonate of lime in abun-
dance, agreeably to Exp. 9 and 10.

9th. That it contains a large proportion of car-
bonate of magnesia, agreeably to Exp. 11.

lOlh. That the carbonates contained in the
water form a large proportion of the ingredi-
ents held in solution, agreeably to Exp. 12, 13,
14 and 15.

INFERENCES. 9S

11th. That it contams a large proportion of a
muriatic salt, agreeably to Exp. 16.

12th. That the carbonated alkali, evinced by
Exp. 3 and 4, is the carbonate of soda, as is made
evident by Exp. 17. This experiment, likewise,
indicates tlie presence of a minute quantity of the
vegetable alkali or potassa.

13th. That the water contains the newly dis-
covered elementary substance termed hrome or
bromine, is made abundantly evident by Exp. 18.

14th. That iodine forms another of the constit-
uent properties of this interesting and truly distin-
guished water, is satisfactorily demonstrated by
Exp. i9.

Thus, then, we have certain indications, as far
as tests can be relied on, that the water of this
fountain holds the following substances in solu-
tion, viz.

Cari)onic Acid, Muriatic Acid,

Soda, Potassa or Potash,

Iron, Bromine, and

Lime, Iodine.
Magnesia,

94 CONGRESS SPRING.

It remains to investigate the manner in which
these substances are combined, and to determine
the proportions in which they enter into the com-
position of the water.

EXAMINATION OF Til* GASEOtS CONTENTS OF THE
WATER.

A quantity of the gas was procured in the fol-
lowing manner: A large bladder was prepared,
and to its mouth w-as secured a stopcock, to the
end of which was fitted the small aperture of a
large glass funnel. Tiie funnel was inverted in
the spring, and as soon as it became filled with gas,
the stop cock attached to tlie bladder was appHed,
and the bladder, which was dry and had been pre-
viously emptied by rolling, was now suffered to fill
with the gas as it escaped from the water. In
this way a sufficient quantity of the gas, for all
the purposes of experimenting, may readily be ob-
tained at any time.

A quantity of this gas was pressed from the
bladder into a tumbler, in which was inmiersed
a lighted taper, which was immediately extin-
guished.

A sprigiitly live mouse was confined in the bot-
tom of a glass which was filled with the gas, and
it expired in less fhan a minute.

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 95

Ii was emptied O'om one glass to another, and
continued to occupy its station in tlie glasses for
some minutes, evincing its presence by continuing
to extinguish flame, ccc.

A small quantity of the gas was pressed from
the bladder into a glass vessel containing a quan-
tity of pure transparent lime-water. It immedi-
ately became milky, and threw down a white pre-
cijiitate, which dissolved in dilute muriatic acid
with a strong effervescence.

Litmus paper, a little moistened and immersed
in a glass containing the gas was immediately col-
oured red, but retained its florid colour no longer
than it retained its moisture.

A (iuantity f)f the gas was passed up from the
hh'hlcr into a graduated glass jar, flilcd with and
inverted in a solution of costic potash. A largo
[)r<!pasi'tion of the gas was almost inin;of;iatcly ab-
sorbed by the solution, wiiile a very j.v.niil quantity
remained in the top of the jar appar.jntly unaflcci-
cd by it. Gd< %\as continuiid to be added to the
cr.nte'Uls of the jar until its graduated sides indica-
ted a quantity (jf t(;n inch's, \\hi(:h remained and
continued undissolved by the costic S(/lution. To
tc-:t the properties of the remaining ten inches, a
piece of phosphoiMis was secured to the end of a
wire and passed u[) into the gas, and being bronglit

^ CONGRESS SPRING.

close to the side of this jar, was ignited by the
cautious application of a heated iron to the out-
side. It burned for a moment with its usual bril-
liancy, but soon became dim and went out. It
was again lit, by the re-application of the hot iron,
but was extinguished in the same breath, and
could not again be rekindled, although it was
slightly fused by the application of the iron. The
gas in the jar was at first a little dilated, but after
being cooled to its former temperature, it was
found to have sustained a diminution of bulk to
the amount of about two inches, or one fifth of the
whole ; thus demonstrating that the gas, remain-
ing unaffected by the operation of the solution of
costic potash, was pure atmospheric air.

From the results of these experiments, then, we
are bound to infer that the gas which escapes in
such profusion from this spi'ing consists simply of
the carbonic acid, with a small proportion of at-
mosphei'ic air. To ascertain the proportions of
each, and the amount contained in a given quan-
tity of the water, the following method was adop-
ted :

A tin bottle or jar, of the capacity of two quarts
or 115.5 cubic inches, was procured, and its mouth
secured and rendered perfectly tight by the appli-
cation of a well adjusted stopcock ; to this was

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 9*l[

Kicely fitted one end of a small flexible leaden
tube, about two feet in length, at the other end of
which was altachcd a capacious and well prepai'cd
bladder. This jar was filled with the water to be
examined, at the spring, and the stopcock imme-
diately applied and secured. It was then placed
in a water bath, and the bladder connected with
the flexible tube being previously well emptied,
was suspended in a large glass vessel fitted for the
purpose, and filled witii pure water of the tempe-
rature of GO deg. Tiio tube having received a
proper curvature, was connected with the stop-
cock. Ilcat was now applied to the bath in which
the jar containing the water was placed, the valve
of the cock opened, and the gas suffered to escape
through the tube into the bladder, which, as it di-
lated, forced the water in which it was suspended
over into a glass jar prepared for its reception and
gauged to half inches. It is obvious that the
quantity of water remaining in the graduated jar
at the end of the process would indicate very
accurately the quantity of gas received in the
bladder.

This apparatus fur (IcterminiMg the quantity of
gas contained in the water, aside from the mercu-
rial trough, is urK[iK'stioiial;Iy the Itcst that could
1)0 adopted, and is in ((Vcct the same as that re-
commended by the laic Sir Ilum})hrey Davy in

I

98 COKGRESS SPRING.

his analysis of soils. It however subjects the ex-
periment to the probability of some trifling inac-
curacies. It is obvious that the walls of the wet
bladder may absorb a small proportion of the car-
bonic acid, and thereby render the quantity ap-
parently less than what it really is ; and it is
equally certain that the quantity of atmospheric
air contained in the tube, together with the small
quantity remaining in the bladder, (for it cannot
be entirely excluded,) must add somewhat to the
quantity obtained. The difference, however, in
the result is too trifling to merit a serious consid-
eration. The reception of the gas over mercury
would unquestionably be attended with the great-
est degree of accuracy ; but the difficulty of pro-
curing a suiTicient quantity of that article in the
country for the purpose of accurate experiments,
entirely precluded the possibility of having re-
course to that method.

With this apparatus, adjusted in the manner
just described, two quarts or 115.5 cubic inches
of the water of this spring ahordcd 159 inclics of
gas, at the temperature of GO dcg. and a pressure
of the atmosphere, indicated by the mercury of
the barometer, standing at 29. o inch. Of tlii.5 159
inches, 155.5 were absorbed by a solution of
caustic potash, leaving 8.5 inches on which the
solution had no eflfoct. The proportion of the two

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 99

gases, then, contained in two quarts of the water,

will stand thus :

Inch.
Carbonic acid gas, 155.5

Atmospheric air, 3.5

Amount contained in 2 qts. of water, 159.5

It is rendered more than probable, from the re-
sult of repeated experiments, that the quantity of-
gas contained in a given quantity of the water is
not always exactly the same. The variation,
however, is never sufficient to produce any per-
ceptible difterence in the sensible qualities of the
water, as it appears always to retain in combina-
tion considerably more than its bulk, besides a
considerable quantity of disengaged or free car-
bonic acid. The same quantity of water has af-
forded at different times, under exactly similar
states of temperature and pressure of the atmos-
phere, 150, 150, 159, 1(31 and 170 cubic inches.
From two quarts of the water that had been ex-
posed in an open vessel for twenty-four hours, in
a temperature of 00 degrees, was obtained 1 12
cubic inches of gas.

It would tlicrtjf jre appear that the difference in
these results arises j)riiirij)aily from the /)yc car-
Ijonic acid diffused in the water, being in a greater
or less f[nantity, and n<>t from any deficiency or

iOO CONGRESS SPRING.

increase in that portion of the gas retained in it ia
a state of combination or solution.

The portion of free or uncombined gas must be
considerably affected by the frequent and violent
agitation of the water in the well, occasioned by
the process of dipping it out for use, and in filling-
bottles for transportation ; and to this circum-
stance may be imputed the variations alluded to.
But it is not impossible that the quantity of tlie
gas extricated from the interior of the earth, un-
der various circumstances and at different times,
should become more or less abundant.

EXAMINATION OF THE SOLID CONTENTS OF THE
WATERS.

It has already been shown, by the application
of tests, &c. that some of the solid ingredients
w'hich form a constituent part of the contents of
the water, are in such minute quantities as to re-
quire the evaporation of a large portion in order
to arrive at accurate results in estimating their
quantities, while others enter so liberally into its
composition as to be more readily and accurately
determined by separating them from a much less
quantity of the water. The following process
was adopted r

SOUD CONTENTS. 101

A given quantity of the water was taken fresh
from the spring and placed in a clean porcelain
basin, and suffered to evaporate in a water bath
heated by a small lamp, and kept at a temperature
in no instance exceeding 160 deg. of Fahrenheit.
The basin was secured from the intrusion of for-
eign substances by a cover of two or three folds of
fine crape. In this manner it was suffered to dry
gradually away, until cubic crystals began to form
along the sides of the basin. It was then removed
from the bath, and, while warm, thrown upon a
filter, and the insoluble mass well washed with
hot recently distilled water, and then carefully re-
moved from the filter into a glass basin, which
was placed in a water bath, and its contents dried
in a temperature of 212 deg. In this way the
solid contents of the water were divided into two
parts, soluble and uiDoluble.

Examinatioji of the soluble juirts.
Two separate parcels of the soluble salts or
filtered solutions, each obtained from forty-five
cubic inches of the water, were subjected to tiic
following examination :

Parcel 1st was placed in a glass basin and
evaporated in a water bath to dryness, at a low
temperature The rcmaiiiing crystallized mass
was finely |)ulvcrize'l in a glass nrjrlar, and again

102 CONGRESS SPRING.

dried at a temperature of 160 deg. for several'
hours. Over this dry saline residuum was poured
a small quantity of alcohol, of the specific gravity
of 0.815. After standing some time and being
frequently agitated, the whole was thrown on a
filter, and what remained on the paper, after be-
ing well washed by repeated applications of small
quantities of alcohol, was again dried and num-
bered 1. The alcoholic solution was evaporated
to dryness at a low temperature, and again digest-
ed in a much smaller quantity of alcohol, of the
same specific gravity as before. A few very mi-
nute cubic crystals remained undissolved by this
last portion of the alcohol. They consisted of the
muriate of soda, which had been taken up by the
larger portion of the alcohol used in the first
washing of the saline mass. They were transfer-
red to No. 1. The alcoholic solution w^as again
evaporated and dried, and weighed while warm
something more than 0,7 of a grain. This was
dissolved in a cold solution of starch, in a small
test tube, and a drop or two of dilute sulphuric
acid added. The whole immediately assumed a
deep purple tinge, which, on standing some time,
was precipitated with the starch, giving to it the
w^ell known characteristic blue color afforded by
the presence of Iodine, A few bubbles of chlo-
rine gas were passed into the mixture. The blue
color faded immediately and disappeai-ed,

SOLID CONTENTS. 103

An equal quantity of this salt, obtained from
the same quantity of the water and in the same
way, was dissolved in a fluid drachm of pure wa-
ter, to which a drop or two of the muriate of
platina was added. No indications of potasli were
manifested ; the solution remained scarcely alter-
ed in its color, and no precipitate appeared..

Iodine may exist in a mineral water in the state
of an iodic or h(/dr iodic acid, combined with either
of the alkalies, potash or soda forming the iodate
or hydriodate of the alkali with which they are
united. The presence of potash is only indicated
in the water by experimenting on large portions ;
it is not satisfactorily indicated even in the residu-
um of a gallon, and not at all in that obtained
from forty-five cubic inches of the water, as has
just been shown. It follows, therefore, that soda
is the alkaline base which retains the acid in ques-
tion, forming the iodate or hydriodate of soda.

It has already been shown that alcohol dissolves
the whole of the substance which discovers the
presence of iodine ; and as iodate of soda is not
soluble in that menstruni, we are bound to infer
that the salt in (juostion is the In/driodatc of soda.

The inconsidcrablcncss of this salt aftordcd by
the above quantity of the water not admitting of

104 CONGRESS SPRING.

all the accuracy desirable in estimating the quan-
tity of so important an article, recourse was had
to another process ; the dry soluble salt^ obtained
from two gallons, or 402 cubic inches of the wa-
ter, was submitted to the action of alcohol with
the same precaution as before related, and from
this quantity was obtained a trifle over 7 grains.
It exhibited all the characteristic properties of the
hydriodate of soda already noticed, and in addi-
tion afforded evidences of containing a trace of
bromine and potash : substances, the character
and properties of which will be ipvestigated in
another paragraph. ,

These seven grains of the hydriodrate of soda,
together with several other smaller parcels of the
same salt obtained at different times from differ-
ent quantities of the water, were together placed
in a Florence flask and dissolved in an ounce or
two of pure water ; the flask was placed over a
spirit lamp, and as its contents became hot, a few
drops of sulphuric acid were added to the solu-
tion, when the well known purple fumes of iodine
appeared very conspicuous at the neck of the
flask, furnishing the niDst incontcstible evidence
of the presence of that substance.

Having thus finished the investigation relating
to the presence and quantify of iodine, the further

SOLID CONTENTS. 105

separation of the soluble salts was resumed. The
mass numbered 1 of parcel I, which remained
after the action of the alcohol, was dissolved in
an ounce of pure water, and dilute acetic acid
added in small quantities at a time as long as
any effervescence was produced. Tlie whole
was then dried at a low temperature, and again
digested in alcohol of the same specific gravity as
before ; it was filtered, and the filtered solution
evaporated, and a quantity of acetate of soda
procured. Tliis was subjected to a low red heat,
in a platina capsule, tlie acetic acid was thus ex-
pelled, and the sub-carbonate of soda remained,
weighing 1.25 grains, equivalent to 1.75 grains of
the bi-carbonatc ; in which state it probably
enters into the composition of the water.

Tlie remaining saline substance was dissolved
in a quantity of pure water, in a suitable precipi-
tating glass, and to the clear solution was added
a solution of the nitrate of silver ; it was added
in small quantities at a time, as long as any tur-
bidness was produced. It was then filtered,
washed with ropcatwl portions of distilled water,
and the precipitate carefully dried ; it allorded
182. 5 grains ol" chloride of silver, ccinivalent to
75 "rains of ilie chloride of sodium, or sea spJt.

106 COXGRESS SPRIXG.

In order to test the accuracy of the foregoing
results, parcel II, which had been reserved for
this purpose, was evaporated, its contents dried
and digested in alcohol, with the same precau-
tions as parcel I, and exactly the same quantity
of hyrdiodate of soda obtained. The remaining
salts were dissolved in two ounces of pure water,
and a solution of muriate of barytes added in
small portions, as long as any precipitate or dis-
coloration was produced. The precipitate was
now obtained on a filter, washed with pure
water, and carefully dried ; It weighed 2.3 grains.
It dissolved entire in dilute muriatic acid with
effervescence, and was rendered insoluble in
water by the addition of sulphuric acid. It was
therefore the carbonate of barytes, the muriate
of which had been decomposed ; the muriatic
acid of the barytes had united to the soda, form-
ing muriate of soda, while the carbonic acid of
the soda had united to the divorced barytes,
forming the insoluble salt, carbonate of barytes,
2.3 grains of which is equivalent to 1.25 grains of
the sub-carbonate of soda, or 1.75 of the bi-car-
bonatc, as near as weights and scales can be sup-
posed to make it.

This result, corresponding so nearly with the
other, might give to this mode of separating the
carbonate of soda from the muriate the prefer-

SOLID CONTENTS. 107

ence, provided the carbonate of magnesia be
present ; the muriate of barytes is not decom-
posed by that substance, but will remain in solu-
tion with the muriate of soda when the carbonate
of soda is all decomposed. The magnesia may
then be converted into a muriate by the addition
of dilute muriatic acid, the whole dried, and the
muriate of magnesia taken up by alcohol. This
process was adopted in the present instance, but
no muriate of magnesia was procured. It is to
be presumed, therefore, that the carbonate of
magnesia is not held ui solution with the soluble
salts, at least not in sufficient quantity to be
appreciated.

The discovery of iodine and bromine in some
of the mineral springs of Europe led to the con-
jecture that they might bo found to enter into the
composition of the waters of ►Saratoga, and this
conjecture v.-as strengthened by the knowledge
(if their great efficacy in the cure of a variety of
strumus aifectioiis, f r v.i)ic!i their known prop-
erties did not very satisfactorily account.

Iodine was Hrst def^jctcd in th(}^o waters in the
lull (jf 1.S28, and annouiircil in IStii), in the Amer-
ican Journal of Science : and Afi". A. A. Hayes,
of New-llaven, <.\<A<:cicd bromine and potasli,

108 CONGRESS SPRING.

and announced the discovery in the same Journal
in July, 1830.

The spare quantity afforded by the water of
the two last substances, makes it necessary to
operate on a large portion in order to obtain de-
cisive evidence of their presence. Mr. Hayes
says that he obtained the knowledge of the fact
from " a portion of the dry saline matter left after
evaporating a large quantity of the water." It
has already been shown that their existence in a
gallon of the water is at least equivocal.

With a view to corroborate the result of the
experiments already noticed, the saline residuum
of four gallons, or 924 cubic inches of the water
was procured, effused in distilled water, filtered,
and the filtered solution evaporated by a slow
process, until a large portion of the muriate of
soda had crystallized ; the remaining liquor was
treated with chlorine gas, and then agitated with
a portion of pure sulphuric ether. On the addi-
tion of chlorine the liquid assumed an orange yel-
low color, which was all taken up by the ether,
which then became of a hyacinth or reddish
brown tint, arose to the surface, and formed a
perfect line of distinction in the liquid contents of
the glass ; the etherial solution was removed by
means of a glass syringe, and a drop or two of a

SOLID CONTENTS. 100

solution of caustic potash added to it, it immedi-
ately became colorless, and on suftering the solu-
tion to evaporate in a low temperature, a few
minute cubic crystals of the hydro-bromate of
potash were deposited.

Another portion of the salts produced from
four gallons of the water was obtained and pre-
pared as above by concentrating the solution of
the soluble salts, until nearly all the muriate of
soda was crystallized. To the clear yellowish
colored liquor which remained was added a few
drops of the muriate of platina. It produced an
immediate fine yellow colored precipitate, indica-
ting the presence of a small quantity of potash.

These experiments fully establish the existence
oihrominr in this water. It is in the state of the
hydro-bromic acid united to potash, forming the
hydro-bromate of potash ; its quantity, however,
is extremely small, and can ordy be accurately
determined by more extensive and labored ope-
rations.

Examinalion of tite Tnsol able parts.

Having thus sci)arated and determined the
quantities ot" the various ingrcchents soluble in
pure water, the saline mass remaining on the li!-

K

110 CONGRESS SPRING.

ter, after the action of that fluid, was next sub-
mitted to examination.

The whole quantity of this substance obtained
from 45 cubic inches of the water was placed in
a Florence flask, and dilute nitric acid poured
over it as long as any effervescence was pro-
duced ; the acid was then added in slight excess,
and the flask placed over a spirit lamp, and its
contents suffered to boil for half an hour ; it was
then removed from the stand, and when cold, a
minute quantity of a grayish white powder was
observed in the bottom of the flask, which re-
mained undissolved by the operation of the dilute
acid ; this was separated from the clear solution
on a filter, and after being well washed, with dis-
tilled water, was dried at a low red heat in a
platina crucible. It produced a whitish colored
powder, of a rough dry feeling when rubbed be-
tween the fingers, and when fused with a little
carbonate of soda produced a greenish colored
glass. It was therefore pure silix. It weighed
as nearly as could be ascertained 0.25 grains.

The filtered solution was then placed in a pre-
cipitating glass, and a small quantity of a solution
of pure ammonia added ; it produced a brownish
coloured cloud in the clear solution, which, after
adding a sufficient quantity of the ammonia, sub-

SOLID CONTENTS. Ill

sided to the bottom of the flask m the form of a
brown sediment. This Nvas removed by filtering,
and, being well washed, was dried and brought
to a red heat in a platina crucible, and was then
again dissolved in dilute nitric acid, and again pre-
cipitated by ammonia, filtered, and the filtered so-
lution added to that of the previous process.
What remained on the filter was dried again at a
red heat, and was the pure red or per-oxide of
iron, and weighed about 0.75 of a grain. The
quantity, however, of this, as well as that of the
silix, will, for the sake of greater accuracy, be de-
termined from a larger portion of the w ater.

After thus separating the silix and iron, the re-
maining solution, consisting of the nitrate of lime
and magrfcsia, was transferred to a porcelain evap-
orating Ijasin, and suftercd to evaporate over a
moderate heat until crystals began to appear.
The nitrate was then converted into a sulphate,
by adding dilute sulphuric acid in excess, and
evaporating the new compound nearly to dryness.
The residuum was then transferred to a platina
crucible, and gradually brought to a low red heat.
^Vhat remained consisteil purely of sulphate of
lime and magnesia, and weighed, while warm,
41.;") grains. To separate these two sahs, a sat-
urated sfjiution of sulphate of lime in distilled wa-
ter was used ; it dissolved tiic sulphate of magnc-

112 CONGRESS SPRING.

sia, which was filtered from the remaining insolu-
ble sulphate of lime, and this last was again dried
at-a low red heat, and weighed while warm 24
grains, equivalent to 19.11 grains of the carbonate
of lime.

The sulphate of lime in solution with the sul-
phate of magnesia was separated by the oxalate
of ammonia, carefully added, the solution filtered,
evaporated, and the residual salt brought to a red
heat, and weighed while warm exactly 17.5
grains. It was the sulphate of magnesia, equiva-
lent to 12.25 grains of the carbonate of magnesia,
or 18.66 grains of the bi-carbonate.

To determine with more precision the actual
quantity of iron, one gallon of the water was evap-
orated, and the insoluble part of its residiuum ob-
tained by filtering, dissolved in dilute nitric acid,
and boiled for the space of half an hour in a Flor-
ence flask. The silix which remained undissol-
ved by the acid in the flask was separated, and.
after being subjected to a red heat, weighed while
warm 1.5 grains. The iron was then precipita-
ted by the addition of a solution of pure ammonia,
as before described, dried at a red heat, and then
re-dissolved in dilute nitric acid, to free it from
any impurities which might have been precipita-
ted along with it by the action of the caustic am-
m.onia in the first operation. It was again pre-

SOLID CONTENTS. 113

cipitated in the same way, dried at a red heat in
a platina crucible, and weighed while warm 3.5
grains. It was the red, or per-oxide of iron,
equivalent to 5.075 grains of the carbonate of
iron.

RECAPITULATION.

From the foregoing experiments and deductions,
one gallon, or 231 cubic inches, of the water of
the Congress Spring contains the following sub-
stances, viz.

Chloride of Sodium, (sea salt) 385.0
Ilydriodate of Soda, 3.5

Bi-carbonate of Soda, 8.982

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 95.788

Carbonate of Lime, 98.098

Carbonate of Iron, 5.075

Sihx, 1.5

Ilydro-bromatc of Potash, a trace

597.9 43 grs.
Carbonic acid gas, 311

Atmospheric air, 7

Gaseous contents, 318 cubic inches.

V\'atcr. at the usual temperature and pressure
of the atmosphere, can only dissolve its own bulk

114 COXGRESS SPRrKG.

of carbonic acid. As this water contains near!}-
one third more than that quantity, it becomes.
a subject of some interest to ascertain by what
means it acquires so large a proportion of this
gas.

It is well known that the sub-carbonates of soda
and magnesia, when dissolved in water saturated
with carbonic acid, receive an additional portion
of the acid, and become bi-earbonates. These
bi-carbonates are how^ever decomposed by the
application of heat, and at the temperatui'e of boil-
ing water, or 212'^, they part with the additional
portion of the acid, and become again sub-carbo-
nates, in which state these salts are obtained from
the water after boiling. The quantity of carbonic
acid given off in this way by the bi-carbonates of
soda and magnesia passing into sub-carbonates,
will account very satisfactorily for the quantity
obtained from the water over and above its bulk.

It will be observed that the quantity of carbon-
ic acid obtained from one gallon exceeds its bulk
by 80 cubic inches, which, allowing 100 cubic
inches to weigh 4G.57 grains, will amoujit to 37.25
grains ; and the additional portion of carbonic acid
taken up by the quantity of soda and magnesia
found in the water, in order to constitute the bi-
carbonates, will amount to about 35.5 gz*ains. a

REMARKS. 115

correspondence sufficiently accurate to justify the
position here taken.

This water has been repeatedly analyzed by a
number of" professed chemists ; but the results of
their examinations have been so discordant as to
aftbrd but little confidence in their correctness.
These results, however, do not differ so much in
the variety of the articles produced, as in the quan-
tities of those acknowledged to be present. Much
of this dilTerence may be imputed to the various
methods adopted to separate the constituent prop-
erties, and to the different states in which these
properties are produced; some of them being in
a state of crystallization containing a large por-
tion of water, while the same article is obtained
under ajiothcr process in a perfectly dry state,
producing an essential difference in the apparent
quantity. But the greatest cause of the discord-
ant results is the transportation of the water from
the spring. It is usually bottled, perhaps imper-
fectly corked, transf)ortcd to a considerable dis-
tance, and then sufl'ered to stand m a quiescent
state, subjected to a variety of temperature, until
the conv(.'i)i(.nce of the clu.'inist affords an oportu-
nity fjrits (;xaininati()n. In this way it must ne-
cessarily |)art with a lai'go share of its carbonic
acid and the substances held in solution by it are
of course [)recipituled. Ilence no iron, or but

116 CONGRESS SPRING.

equivocal traces of it, are obtained from the wa-
ter thus procured ; while at the fountain, its pres-
ence is clearly demonstrated by the most simple
experiments : indeed, the mere deposit from the
water, as it passes from the spring, affords incon-
testible evidence of its presence. It is therefore
abundantly evident, that in order to obtain any
thing like an accurate knowledge of the proper-
ties and proportions of the various salts which en-
ter into the composition of this water, the analysis
should be conducted on the spot.

The late Professor Dana suggested the idea,
that some of the substances obtained from the
water by analysis might be the product of the
operation, and not an original ingredient ; and
added, that " carbonate of soda and muriate of
magnesia might exist in solution together in this
dilute state, without their mutual affinities being
exerted ; but when the solution was concentrated,
carbonate of magnesia and muriate of soda would
be formed ;" and he therefore inferred, that in-
stead of the muriate of soda and carbonate of mag-
nesia, as procured from a quantity of tliis water,
the basis of these two salts actually existed in the
water in the state of the muriate of magnesia and
carbonate of soda.

fi£M\RKS. 117

This subject has been subsequently investigated
by Dr. Murray. He alleges, from numerous ex-
periments, that from evaporating the solvent, he
procured salts different from those known to be
in the solution. This induced him to call in ques-
tion the usual modes of analysis ; and he proposed
another method of determining the state of com-
bination of the ingredients obtained from mineral
waters, founded upon the principle that the force
of affinity is much influenced by the operation of
external circumstances ; and that when these
occur, compounds may be formed different from
those which owe their origin to the pure force of
affinity. Professor Brando, however, of the royai
institution of London, will not admit the existence
of incompatible salts to the extent which Dr.
Murray's principle requires.

Be this as it may, facts do not wari'ant the be-
lief that the operation of the princ!j)ic, if establish-
ed, is exerted in the formation of any of the salts
contained in this water. If a part of the muriatic
acid, which goes to form the muriate of soda in
the concentrated solution, is really united to the
magnesia or lime while in a more dilute state, it
follows of cours(!, tiiat the (juantity of the carbo-
nate of soda at the same time mu^^^t be considera-
bly incrcas(xl ; but this docs not aj)pear to be the
fact. The application of appropriate tests to the

118 CONGRESS SPRING.

water fresh from the spring, indicate but faintly
the presence of a carbonated alkali ; but as the
water is concentrated, the existence of this article
becomes more and more apparent ; whereas, di-
rectly the reverse of this would be the case, if the
suggestion of Professor Dana was correct. It is
therefore more than probable that the substances
obtained are actually those which enter into the
composition of the water, and constitute its active
medicinal properties.

MEDICAL HISTORY.

The medicinal qualities of this spring have ac-
quired for it a reputation abroad to which no oth-
er fountain in the United States has yet attained ;
and it is highly probable, from the active ingredi-
ents which enter into its composition, that it will
continue to retain an ascendancy which has been
so liberally and so justly conferred upon it. Such
are its rare and peculiar properties, that while it
operates as an active and efficient medicine, it
possesses the properties of an agreeable and de-
lightful beverage ; and it is daily sought after and
drank by all classes of people, for no other pur-
pose than simply to gratify the palate or to allay
the thirst. And although in this way it is fre-
quently taken in sufficient quantities to produce
its most active effects upon the bowels, it is sel-

MEDICAL HISTORY. 119

dom, if ever, known to be attended with any un-
pleasant consequences, but is always considered by
those who thus use it as invigorating and healthy.

From one to three pints of the water, taken in
the morning before eating, usually operates freely
as a catiiartic, and at the same time has a most
powerful effect in increasing the ordinary secre-
tions of the kidneys ; but its operation, like that of
all other medicines, is much influenced by the
condition of the stomach and bowels at the time
of receiving it, as well as by the state of the sys-
tem generally. It therefore frequently happens
that a nuich larger quantity seems to be required,
in order to produce its characteristic effect upon
the bowels ; and invalids have been known to
drink twenty, thirty and even forty tumblers full
of it in a morning witliout much apparent incon-
venience. It requires, however, but a slight ac-
fiuaintance with the properties of tiic water, to
satisfy any rational mind, that such a procedure is
highly improper and even dangerous. Quantities
so immoderate can never be usefid to persons
who are eitlipr infirm or in health ; and there are
numerous instanrcs in which tlu;y have produced
conseciuences of a very alarming character.

It is a catiiartic. possessing evidently interesting
and important qualities, and as such it is recom-

120 CONGRESS SPRING.

mended and used in all those chronic diseases
where cathartics and gentle aperients are indica-
ted ; and such are its peculiar effects, when judi-
ciously administered, that it may be persevered in
for almost any length of time, and a daily increas-
ed evacuation from the bowels produced without
debilitating the alimentary canal, or in any way
impairing the digestive powers of the stomach ;
but on the contrary, the spirits, appetite and gen-
eral health will be improved and invigorated.

It is obvious that the mode and management of
taking the water must depend altogether upon the
nature of the case for which it is administered,
and the consequent kind of effect desired to be
produced from it. As it is directed simply for
its cathartic or aperient properties, it is in almost
all cases important that its operation should be
speedily and promptly effected. The quantity re-
quired to produce the effect desired must be varied
with different persons ; and even the same per-
sons at different times, and under different cir-
cumstances, will require different portions. It is
therefore impossible to fix upon any certain quan-
tity that will apply in all cases : much must be
left to the judgment and discretion of the invalid
himself. In ordinary cases, tlirce pints taken on
an empty stomach, an hour or two before eating,
and followed by a proper share of exercise, will

MEDICAL HISTORY. 121

be found amply sufficient for all the purposes re-
quired. Should this quantity however be found
inadequate to the effect, it will be better to relin-
quish the use of it altogether for the day, than to
attempt to produce a different result by additional
potations of the water. On the following morn-
ing the quantity may be increased to another
pint ; and should there be fears of the inadequacy
of this quantity from extreme constipation of the
bowels or other causes, a tea-spoonful or two of
epsom salts may be added to the first tumbler.
This will insure a competent operation, and the
invalid will soon be enabled by his experience to
determine the quantity which his case requires.

In cases where the stomach and bowels have
been for a long time subjected to the effect of
morbid excitement, and the whole system ener-
vated by the deranged functions of the assimilat-
ing organs, the quantity here recommended will
be altogether inadmissible. The effects of disten-
tion, and the abstraction of temperature conse-
quent upon admitting so large a quantity of cold
water into a stomach thus enfeebK-d, can scarcely
lail of being highly detrimental. Reliance there-
fore must not be placed upon the water in these
i-ases, to move the bowels ; it can only be used as
an auxiliary to that purpose, and should always
be associated with some other cathartic medicine
I.

122 CONGRESS SPRING.

suited to. the particular case. A little magnesia,
magnesia and rhubarb or a laxative pill may be
taken over night, and a tea-spoon or two of
the sulphate of potass or magnesia, combined with
a glass or two of the water in the morning, is
usually advised.

The proper time for drinking the water of this
spring is unquestionably in the morning — an hour
or two before breakfast ; indeed, as a general
rule it should not be meddled with at any other
period of the day ; and it would be much better
for those whose complaints rendei them fit sub-
jects for its administration, if the fountain should
be locked up and no one suffered to apj)roach it
after the hour of nine or ten in the morning.

Nothing can be more absurd than the ridicu-
lous practice of taking large potations of this water
at all hours of the day, and particularly, immedi-
ately after meals. Tiie impropriety of evacu-
ating the contents of tlie stomach and bowels be-
fore the assimilating powers of digestion have
accomplished their labors, must be obvious to
every one. It should therefore only be taken in
the morning before eating, when its operation
will be exerted in removing the fetid remnants of
an impaired digestion, and evacuating the sordid
and irritating accumulations induced by an en-

MEDICAL mSTORY. 123

feebled state of the intestinal canal. When this
effect is produced, the water has accomplished all
that can reasonably be expected from its use ;
and the digestive organs being freed from their
offensive feculent burthen, are left in a condition
to act with better effect on the subsequent ali-
ment which may be presented to them.

The invalid, whose health and strength will
admit of it, should always rise as early as six
o'clock at farthest, and when tlie weather is suit-
able, repair to the spring, and take the water at
the fountain head. The exercise necessarily
connected with this mode of drinking the water,
together with the invigorating effect of a whole-
some atmosphere and amusing company, add
much to its efficacy as a medicine.

The manner of drinking the water at the foun-
tain requires but little attention. It is dipped
from the spring in half pint tumblers, one of
\vhich constitutes a very suitable quantity for a
single draught. As it is intended to move the
bowels, it is necessary that these draughts should
be repeated in as quick succession as the condi-
tion of the stomach will permit. As soon as the
Bcnsc of fulness occasioned by the first tumbler
has passed off, another may be taken, and so on
until the quantity necessary to move the boweljj

i2t CONGRESS SPRmC.

has all been drank. This is usually accomplisli-
ed in the course of half an hour, without materi-
ally disturbing the tranquility of the stomach,
and its effect is seldom delayed beyond the limits
of an hour. Should this be the case, however,,
and no operation effected before the period of
breakfast arrives, a cup of coffee or tea, connect-
ed with a light repast and suitable exercise, wil^
seldom fail of producing a speedy termination to
the delay.

The low temperature of the water, in some
cases, forms a serious objection to its being drank
to the extent that is required. This may be rem-
edied in some measure by securing the water in
well corked bottles, and suffering them to stand
in the room over night. In this situation the
temperature of the water is elevated to that of
the atmosphere of the room, and may be drank
with less danger of producing chills. When
these do succeed, after the above precaution, re-
course is sometimes had to plunging the bottle
into warm water a few times before removing
the cork. This will unquestionably remedy the
evil ; but the water will be more apt to produce
nausea and other unpleasant disturbances of the
stomach, not less injurious to the good effect to.
be expected from its use than that of cliills...

^ MEDICAL HISTOKY. 125

It should always be remembered,. that by ele-
vating the temperature of the water to any ex-
tent, the escape of its carbonic acid becomes
abundant, and it is thereby deprived of one of its
most important ingredients, the loss of which
renders it extremely insipid, and its cflocts are
by no means so pleasant or useful.

The properly of this fountain has, within a
few years, passed into the hands of Doct. John
Clarke, who is now the sole proprietor and own-
er of it. This gentleman has made it an object
of his special care and attention, and it is to his
liberality that the public are indebted for the
convenient and cleanly manner in v^'hich the wa-
ter is presented to them at the well, and for the
improvements that have been made and are still
making in its immediate vicinity, lie is likewise
entitled to great credit for the care and attention
Nvhich he bestows in putting up the water and
preparing it for transportation. lie is now the
only person through whom it can be procurcci ;*
and such has been the success of his exertions,
and the public estimation of its value, that it has

♦ Dr. Cbr';c has reserved to himself the exclusive right of
bottl.i? aiul vciidini^ the v\;itcr, nnd the [luhlic may rely up-
on rccf ivi:ijT it fiom him in as pcfftct u state Pa it ij capable of
retairu;)!' wlieri bof.kcl.

126 CONGRESS SPRING.. ,

been introduced into almost every part of the
world. There is scarcely a town in the United
States of any magnitude that is not supplied with
it, nor a vessel destined to any distant port that
does not enumerate the Congress loater in the
list of her sea stores or her freight.

The water loses much of its pungency and
agreeable flavor from being bottled, and its iron
is entirely deposited. It however retains its
aperient properties in tolerable perfection, and if
properly secured and kept in a quiescent state
and even temperature, may be preserved to any
length of time.

The practice of putting the water into wooden
casks, earthen jugs, or tin canisters, for the pur-
pose of transportation, as is sometimes done, is
but little better than placing it in open vessels.
It soon loses its vivifying gas, and becomes ex-
tremely insipid and offensive. It can only be
properly secured and preserved in strong glass
bottles, Vv'ell corked, and the corks fastened by
wiring.

From the known and acknowledged efficacy
of the water as a medicine, it was inferred that
its saline deposits might answer a valuable pur-
pose in cases where the water could not be pro-

MEDICAL HISTORY. 127

cured, and at one time considerable quantities
were manufactured for sale, by evaporation ; but
the imperfect solubility of these salts renders
them not only disagreeable, but frequently irri-
tating and offensive to the stomach, and the pres-
ent proprietor of the spring has very properly
prohibited their further manufacture.

Influenced by the popular character of the
water, individuals have been induced to attempt
an artificial composition of it, and, under the im-
posing names of " Congress Water" and " Sara-
toga Powders," articles have been presented to
the public which, although they possess aperient
qualities, m reality bear no resemblance, either in
their effects or their properties, to the mineral
water, the name of which they have assumed.
They may move the bowels, it is true, but in this
they do not appear to possess any superiority
over the common Scidlitz powder, which is now
in every body's hands, and which, as a laxative
medicine, in all ordinary cases, is undoubtedly to
be preferred.

COLUMBIAiV SPRING.

This fountain is situated on the south side of
the brook, about eight rods directly southwest
from the Congress. . It discovers itself at the foot
of a steep bank, consisting of loose sand and
yellow loam.

The water being confined by a wooden curb,
rises a few inches above the surface of the sur-
rounding earth, and escapes through a small hole
in the side of the curb, made for the purpose.

The well is sunk in the earth about six feet, and
such is the supply of water, that it is difficult to
remove it as fast as it accumulates, even with a
bucket.

The surface of the water, when viewed in the
fountain, does not present the simmering appear-
ance so conspicuous in the Congress ; but the
gas breaks up through it in much larger bubbles,
at irregular intervals, giving to the water the re-
semblance of a more violent ebulition.

The surface of tbe earth over which the water
escapes, and the inside of the troughs which con-

COLUMBIAJ< SPRIXO, 120

duct it away, as well as the inside of the curb,
arc covered with a thick ferruginous crust of a
deep brown color.

ITic water itself is quite limpid, and when
drank, betrays a strong chalybeate taste, and a
pungency indicative of the presence of a large
portion of carbonic acid. In its physical prop-
erties generally, tbis water resembles the Con-
gress in all respects, excepting its saline inipreg-
natiop, which is evidently much less.

Its temperature at the bottom of tlic well U
uniformly at 50 deg., and its specific gravity at
the temperature of GO deg. The barometer,
standing at 29. .3 inches, is 1007.3, pure water be-
ing 1000.

The application of chemical tests to the water
of this fountain indicates nothin"; to distinfruish it
from tliat of the Congress, the same ingredients
being dearly distinguished in both. They diflbr,
however, in tlic quantities of the articles which
they resj)ectively hold in solution, as is shown by
the s[)ecific gravity of tiie two, as well as by the
greater or less eflect produce-d by the application
of re-agents. Indeed, in this respect there is a
very perceptible diflcrence indicated i)y the taste
alone.

130 COLIMBIAN SPRIWO.

By pursuing a process similar to that related in
tlie analj'sis of the Congress water, one gallon^ or
231 cubic inches of this water, yielded the fol-
lowing ingredients, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,

2G7.

Bi-carbonate of Soda,

15.4

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,

46.71

Ilydrodate of Soda,

2.50

Carbonate of Lime,

08.

Carbonate of Iron,

5.58

Silix,

2.05

llydro-bromate of Potash,

scarcc-

ly a trace.
Solid contents in a gallon.

407.3 gr.

Carbonic acid gas,

272.00

Atmospheric air,

4.5

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 270.50 inch.

This spring has been materially improved, by
clearing out the well and securing it against the
iiifrusion of fresh water, by means of a tight curb
inserted to its bottom.

The water seldom oj^cratcs as a cathartic, un-
less when taken in large quantities, or used by
persons whose stomachs are extremely irritable,

WASHINGTON SPRING. 131

Its most obvious effects, when taken in proper
doses, are diuretic, at the same time operating on
the secretions and excretions generally. It like-
wise manifests the powers of a mild and pleasant
stimulant ; and from the large proportion of iron
which enters into its composition, it occupies a
distinguished rank among the tonic waters which
the place affords.

MM*iiIi:VGTOX SPROG.

PuusnxG a southwest direction from the Co-
lumbian Spring about fifty rods, wc come to the
^Vasliiiigton Si)ring, situated by the side of a rill
of very pure water, which has its origin from the
!)anks of sand at no great distance. The foun-
tain is situated on ground considerably elevated
abuve any of the others. It makes i;s aj)pear-
anfi; at the surface through a bed of argillaceous
marl of a deep blue color. The wal r, neverthe-
less, is rcniark;ibly liiiij)id, and has been recently
much improved, in all its sensible properties, by
sinking the well to a much greater de])th, anil
securii g it by a tight wooden curb.

It is a sparkling acidulous water. Its temper-
ature is 50 deg. and its specilic gravity, at the

132 WASHINGTON SPRING.

temperature of 60 deg. under the ordinary pres-
sure of the atmosphere, is 1007.8, and one gallon
of it affords the following articles, viz.

Chloride of Sodium, grs. 281.5

Bi-carbonate of Soda, 16.5

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 40.92

Carbonate of Lime, 92.6

Carbonate of Iron, 3.25

Silix, 1.5

Hydriodate of Soda, 2.75

Solid contents in a gallon, grs. 439.02

Carbonic acid gas, 262.5

Atmospheric air, 6.8

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 269.3 inch.

This fountain was resorted to formerly, on ac-
count of its retired situation, (it being then in a
forest,) for the purpose of bathing ulcerated limbs
and eruptive diseases of the body, for the cure of
which it became quite distinguished. From this
hint a large and commodious bath-house has
been erected close to the spring, called the
Washington Bath, which is supplied with mineral
water from this spring. It has likewise the ad-
vantage of the very pure stream of fresh water

WASmNGTON SPKLNG. 133

"which passes immediately under the building, for
the purpose or ordinary bathing.

Near to this spring there has been erected a
small fish-pond, which is abundantly supplied
with pure water from the neighboring sand banks.
With this pond is enclosed about an acre of
ground, a part of which is tastefully laid out into
walks ; and on the margin of the little pool is es-
tablished a bowling alley and billiard table, the
w^hole of which is screened and shaded by the
native pine and other forest trees, forming a very
pleasant and quiet spot for retirement or recrea-
tion.

This foimtain, together with the Columbian,
constitute all the mineral waters that have come
into notice in this direction from the Congress.
All the other fountains at this place are situated
along the course of the valley, in a north-east
direction.

M

HAITIIIiTON SPRING.

This spring is situated in the low ground about
30 rods from the Congress, in a north-east direc-
tion, immediately in tlie rear of Congress Hall.
It was discovered and named after the late Ge-
neral Hamilton by Mr. Gideon Putnam, one of the ,
early settlers of the place, not long after the dis-
covery of the Congress Spring. It was cleared
out to the depth of only a few feet, and the water
secured by a small wooden curb. In this situa-
tion it remained for a number of years, its waters
being devoted mostly to the supply of a bathing
establishment erected in its immediate vicinity.
After the decease of Mr.' Putnam, the property
passed into other hands, and the well has since
been sunk to a much greater depth, and more
effectually secured against the intrusion of foreign
substances, by which means the water has been
materially improved.

The surface of the water within the curb is con-
stantly agitated by the escape of large quantities

HAMILTON SPREVG. 135

of gas ; and as the water passes off, it leaves on
the surface of the earth an abundant deposit of a
brownish colour, evidently ferruginous and calca-
reous.

The water, when first taken from the spring, is
remarkably clear and sparkling ; but, on standing
exposed to the atmosphere, soon becomes turbid.
It is saline and acidulous to the taste, and when
taken to the quantity of five or six half pints, is
usually cathartic and diuretic.

The temperature of the bottom of the well is
uniformly at 50 deg. and its specific gravity at the
temperature of 60 deg. and under a pressure of
the atmosphere, indicated by the mercuiy in the
barometer standing at thii'ty inches, is 1008.5,
pure water being 1000.

The indications affci^ded by the application of
tests correspond with those already noticed in the
examination of the Congress water ; and by pur-
suing a process similar to that adopted in the analy-
sis of that water, the following ingredients were
obtained from one gallon, viz.

grs.
Chloride of Sodium, 297.3

Ilvdriodate of Soda, 3.

136 HAMILTON SPRING.

Bi-carbon?ite of Soda, 27.036

. Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 35.2

Carbonate of Lime, 92.4

Carbonate of Iron, " 5.39
Hydro-bromate of Potash, a

trace.

Solid contents in one gallon, 4G0.326 grs.

Carbonic acid gas, 316

Atmospheric air, 4

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 320 inches.

This water ranks first among the springs as a
diuretic, and it has long been celebrated for its
good effects in gi'avelly and calculous affections.
It is second only to the Congress in its saline im-
pregnation, and is frequently used as a substitute
for the water of the latter spring in all those ca-
ses where the irritable state of the stomach ren-
ders the more drastic cfiects of that water inad-
missible.

In scrofula, and indeed all other indolent swel-
lings of the glands, the water of this spring, to-
gether with that of the Columbian, will unques-
tionably take the preference ; for. although they
do not contain quite so large a proportion of the

HAMILTON SPRING. 137

iodine as is found in the Congress water, they
contain a much less quantity of other active sa-
line ingredients, which render them less liafele to
affect the bowels, and their effects upon the sys-
tem generally are thereby rendered more cer-
tain.

It is, without doubt, owing to the iodine which
these waters contain, that they have become so
famous in the cure of strumous affections ; and
the water which contains the greatest abundance
of this article, and is least encumbered with those
substances that may tend to retard or prevent its
effects upon the system, should unquestionably
be directed as the most applicable in these com-
plaints.

The Hamilton bath-house is erected close to
this spring, and is supplied by it with water for
its mineral baths, which are situated in secure
and well furnished apartments, prepared either
for shower bathing or immersing the body in the
water, which may always, during the season, be
procured cither warm or cold. Fresh water
baths arc also furnisiicd here for those who pre-
fer them, and which should always be preferred
in cases where the bath is used simply as a

M*

188 HAMILTON SPRING.

jsource of cleanliness. The rooms are sufficiently
spacious and well ventilated, and the whole es-
tablishment is cleanly and well conducted.*

* About twenty rods north of the Hamilton, is the PniXAM's
Congress, (deriving its name from the discoverer and owner.)
A mineral spring flowed from the same locality for several
years, but without attracting any particular notice ; and the
present spring has been obtained by sinking a tube to a con-
siderable depth. It is a valuable fountain, and held in high re-
pute by many who have experienced the benign effects of its
healing properties. Had the life of Doct. Steel, the author of
this volume, been prolonged, the spring in question would un-
doubtedly have been analyzed and a description of its medical
properties given. But his death has not only deprived the public
of this, but also of a publication of other useful matter connected
with a history of the Springs and their uses as a medicine. With-
out pretending, therefore, to give even a sketch of the ingredi-
entsofthis fountain, which are doubtless similar to those of
the other springs in its vicinity, we will merely remark that
it is probably second only to the old Congress in its medical
qualities. There is also connected with it a first rate bathing
establishment. Publhhir.

FtAT ROCK SPRI.TO.

FoLLo\\TNG the course of the valley in a north-
east direction from the Hamilton, about eigh-
ty rods, we come to the Flat Rock Spring. It
is situated directly in the rear of the Pavilion, on
the verge of the marsh, at the foot of a steep bank
which terminates the west side of the valley,
through which a small brook passes. This bank
is composed of argillaceous earth and sand, and
is elevated about forty feet above the level of the
brook.

The earth for ^ome rods around this spring was
formerly encrusted by a thick bed of calcarcoies
tufa, which long exposure to the air had harden-
ed into a pretty solid rock ; and from this circum-
stance the spring received its name. This rock
was neither more nor less than the usual sedi-
ment deposited by the water, combined with sand,
leaves, sticks, &c. for which it was indebted to
the wind and rain ; and is no more than what
happens about any of tlie fountains where the
water does not find a ready egress, or is suflcrcd
to stagnate in their immediate vicinity. The pro-
gress of improvement has, however, at this time
nearly obliterated this natural platform, and the

140 FLAT ROCK SPRING.

spot is now occupied by a tasteful little Chinese
temple.

The well has been sunk to the depth of about
fifteen feet, and a square tube made of plank in-
serted to its bottom. Through this the water ri-
ses to the surface of the earth and runs off in a
small stream, depositing a copious sediment of a
dark brown colour, along the whole extent of its
course to the brook, which passes some rods dis-
tant.

The appearance and taste of this water very
much resemble that of the Columbian, and the
analysis, conducted upon the same principle, con-
firms the similarity.

Its temperature is 48 dcg. and its specific grav-
ity at the temperature of CO deg. the barometer
standing at 29.5 inches, is 1006.9, pure water be-
ing 1000.

One gallon afforded tlie following articles, viz.

Chloride of Sodium, 148.866

Carbonate of Lime, 60.573

Bi-carbonate of ^Magnesia, 42.7

Bi-carbonatc of ^oda. 20.79

FLAT ROCK SPRING. 141

Carbonate of Iron, 5.39

Hydriodate of Soda, 1.33

Ilydro-bromate of Potash a trace
in four gallons.

Silix & Aluniine a minute quantity.

Solid contents in one gallon, 279.G49 grs.

Carbonic acid gas, 287,5 cub. inch.

Atmospheric air, G.5

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 294.0 cub. inch.

This water is used in all cases for which the
Columbian is recommended. It has generally
been considered one of the best chalybeate springs
which the place affords, and on tliat account has
been the most frequented. It is not improbable
that there are cases in which this water will an-
swer a Ixitter purpose as a tonic medicine than
the Columbian, from the circumstance of its con-
taining a greater quantity of carbonic acid, a less
quantity of the saline principle, and at the same
time containing an equal portion of the tonic prop-
erties.*

* A few rods fartlicr north is the IVIon-rof. Smixfi, the analy-
sis of which, for tlic reason a«=igiiLil in the note at |)a(:;c 13^,
was not prtparf;<l for this vohiiiK-. It in a valiiahlu fountain,
somewhat sinnlar in its character to the Wasliington, Ilainil-

HIGH BOCK SPRING.

Pursuing the course of the valley about eigh-
ty rods further in a northerly direction, we
come to the High Rock Spring ; it is situated
near the base of a ledge of calcareous rocks
which at this place mark the westerly side of the
valley.

The rock which gives the name to this spring,
and surrounds and encloses the fountain, is of a
conical shape, and apparently rests on the surface
of the marl, or is but slightly connected with it.
It narrows rapidly as it rises from the earth, and
terminates in a rounded top, in the centre of
which is a circular opening, w4iich leads to the in-
terior cavity. This opening gradually widens as
the rock enlarges, leaving its walls nearly of an
equal thickness throughout. In this cavity the
water rises some feet above the surface of the
surrounding earth, and is there seen constantly
agitated by the incessant escape of carbonic acid

ton, Flat Rock and High Rock, and has a deserved reputation
for its medicinal qualities. Tiicro is also connected with it a
commodious and cleanly hathing cstahlishment, which is sup-
plied by this fountain with mineral water, and by a very pure
spring from an adjoining bank with fresh water. PucLisuEn.

illOn ROCK SPRING. 143

gas, for which the vacancy above the water forms
a capacious and secure reservoir, where the curi-
ous may at any time make the experiment of its
deleterious eflects on animal life.

This rock very justly claims a conspicuous
place among the interesting natural curiosities
which our countiy affords. The venerable Dr.
Seaman in noticing this singular production ob-
serves : " The more we reflect upon it, the more
we must be convinced of the important place this
rock ought to hold among the wonderful works of
nature. Had it stood upon the borders of the
Logo cV Agnano, the noted Grotto del Cani, which
burdens almost every book which treats upon the
carbonic acid gas, since the peculiar properties of
the air have been known, would never have been
heard of beyond the environs of Naples, while this
fountain, in its place, would have been deservedly
celebrated in story, and spread upon canvass, to
the admiration of the world, as one of its greatest
curiosities.''

The following dimensions of this singular pro-
duction of nature were taken from actual meas-
urement :

Perpendicular height, four feet.
Circumference at the base, twenty-six feet eight
inches.

144 HIGH ROCK SPRING.

Length of a line dz-awn over the top, from north
to south, eleven feet seven inches.

Length of the same from east to west, ten feet
nine inches.

From the top of the rock to the surface of the
water, ordinarily, two feet four inches.

Depth of water in the cavity of the rock, usu-
ally, seven feet eight inches.

The opening at the top is nearly circular, and
measures ten inches across.

This rock belongs to that species of limestone
termed calcareous tufa, being evidently the pro
duct of the water. It is composed of the carbo-
nate of lime, magnesia, and the oxide of iron, to-
gether with a proportion of sand and clay. It
likewise exhibits, when broken, the impressions of
leaves and twigs of trees. It is somewhat undu-
lated on its surface, and about the top compact
and indurated, while near its base it is of a more
spongy and friable character, but every where
sufficiently compact to render it impervious to
water.

That the water at some former period issued
from the cavity and descended upon the sides of
the rock, will scarcely admit of a doubt ; but the
precise manner in which the rock was formed, or
the time when the water used to flow upon its

HIGH HOCK SPIliNG. H5

sm-face, is not quite so obvious. The most prob-
able conjecture is, that the basis of this mass was
commenced beneath the surface of tlie earth ; that
the water, thus confmed within the limits of its
own sediment, continued to rise, and as it escaped
over the sides of its prison, constantly added to
tlie dimensions of its walls. In this manner it
would continue to rise until the column of water
in the rock balanced the power that forced it up,
in v.hich case it would become stationary ; and it
i.1 but just to infer, that in process of time, the pow-
er so propelling the water might be diminished in
its force, when the v.ater in the spring wov-Id of
course sink in exact proportion to the loss of tiiat
power.

There was an opini-'n prevailing amcng the ear-
ly settlers, that the rjc'; had been fractured 'jy
the fall of a tree, and to lliis accident they in^pu-
ted the failure of the water to run over its top,
I.>eheving that it escaped through a fissure, which,
although invisible, they still imagined must exist.
Tliis conjecture, hov/cver, docs not appear to
have been well founded. The spring was visited
as early as 17()7, and no appearance to justify
such an opinion then presented itself, although the
water did not at that time reach the top of the
rock by several inches.

146 HIGH ROCK SPRING.

• Loran Tarbel, an aged chief of the St. Regis
tribe of Indians, told the present Chancellor Wal-
worth, that he visited this spring while a boy ;
and that he was told by the Indians that the wa-
ter once ran over the top, buj, owing, as they
supposed, to some of their women bathing in it
when they ought not to have done so, the water
sunk back into the rock and never showed itself
again at the top.

The conspicuous appearance which this rock
makes, must have introduced it to the notice of
the natives at a veiy early period ; and although
it was probably known and visited by individuals
whose business called them to the woods, it does
not appear to have attracted much attention from
the white population of the country until about
the year 1767, when it was first visited by Sir
William Johnson. From this period, " the spring"
came more rapidly into notice, and for some years
this was the only one to which much consequence
was attached.

The extravagant stories told by the first set-
tlers of the astonishing effects of this water in the
cure of almost every species of disease, are still
remembered and repeated by their too credulous
descendants. This, in conjunction with the sin-
gular and mysterious character of the rock, con-

HIGH ROCK SPRING. 147

tinue to attach an importance to the waters, in
the eyes of the vulgar, at which no other fountain
will ever arrive.

The temperature at the bottom of the well is
48 deg., and its specific gravity at an atmospheric
pressure, indicated by the barometer standing at
29.5 inches, is 1000,85, pure water being 1000.

One gallon of the water afforded the following
ingredients, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,

189.10

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,

61.592

Bi-carbonate of Soda,

17.538

Hydriodatc of Soda,

2.5

Carbonate of Lime,

69.29

Carbonate of Iron,

5.58

Silix and Alumine, a small quantity,

Ilydro-bromatc of Potash, a trace in

four gallons of the water.
Solid contents in a gallon.

345.68 grs,

Carbonic acid gas, 304

Atmospheric air, 5

Oaseous contents in a gallon, 309 cub. inch.

148 UIGn ROCK SPRING.

Since the discovciy of the Congress Spring
and the extensive improvements that have been
made in that vicinity, the water of this fountain,
as well as that of several others situated in its
immediate neighborhood, have rather sunk into
disuse, and the old village, as this part of the
town is now termed, evidently discovers a cor-
respondent desertion ; but whatever may be the
destiny of the place or the credit of the water,
no means should be spared to protect and secure
the rock. It has alread}^ suffered considerably
from the depredations of unprincipled specimen
gatherers, and it will be finally ruined, unless
some more effectual method be- adopted to pre-
vent it.

PRESIDEIVT SPRUVO.

About thirty rods, in a northeastern direction
from the High Rock, in the same valley, is situa-
ted the President Spring. The earth was re-
moved to the depth of about four feet, when the
spring was discovered bubbling up through the
fissures in a stratum of lime rock, furnishing an
ample supply of water in the wooden curb which
was designed to protect and secure it. Within a
few years this spring, like most of the others, has
undergone considerable improvement by being
more effectually secured against the intrusion of
fresh water ; since which period the temperature
and specific gravity have become the same as
that of the High Rock, and the analysis affords
the same results. It is therefore probable that
these two waters have their origin from the same
source ; for they arc indeed the same water.

RED SPRIIfG.

This spring is situated close to the public high-
way, about sixty or seventy rods in a northeast-
ern direction from the President. Large quanti-
ties of ferruginous deposits are found about it,
and the water, when agitated, has numerous par-
ticles of fine sand stained with this substance
floating about in it, which gives the water a red
appearance, from which circumstance it receives
its name.

Popular opinion has given much credit to the
water of this fountain for its beneficial effects
when applied to ill-conditioned ulcers and affec-
tions of the skin. The water, however, docs not
appear to possess any qualities to distinguish it
from those which have ah'eady been described.
Its saline impregnation is much less than any of
the other springs, and its gaseous contents arc
still more deficient when compai'ed with those of
the other fountains.

TE3r SPRINGS.

Pursuing the course of the same valley, about
one mile from tUc High Rock in aii eastern di-
rection, ^Ve come to the Ten Springs, so called
from the circumstance of there being that number
located near together. These springs were dis-
covered about the year 1814, on land that then
belonged to jNIessrs. John and Ziba Taylor, and
considerable pains were taken at the time to bring
them into notice. Several of them were opened
and secured by placing in them wooden boxes to
keep out the fresh water, and a small batliing
hoasc was erected close to them. They never,
however, acfjiuircd much celebrity, and the prop-
erty having [)asscd into otiicr liands, but little at-
tention is now paid to them ; and it is probable,
from their proximity to those so distinguished,
that they will never rise into much consequence.

These springs are situated, like most of the oth-
ers tliat iiavc already been described, in a soil
composed of argillaceous earth and sand, com-
bined with the usual deposits, (iron and lime ;)
and they likewise contain the same constituent
properties, ditlcring only in the (juantities of the
articles which they respectively hold in solution.

152 TEN SPRINGS.

Some of them are considerably saline, and being
saturated with cai'bonic acid gas, they constitute
a very pleasant beverage, and are much used by
those w^ho reside near by, both as a common drink
and as a medicine.

EI.I.IS' SPUIXC.

About two miles from the Congress spring, in
a southwest direction, on land belonging to the
heirs of the late Robert Ellis, is another mineral
fouutain wliicli deserves notice. It is situated at
the fool and on tlie westerly side of a high em-
bankment of the Saratoga and Schenectady rail
road, thro'vn across a ravine through which Ellis'
creek, a principal branch of the Kayaderosscras,
passes, at a deplh of about 50 feet from the sur-
face of tlie iurrounding country. The side of
tliis ravine ha\ir.g been denuded for the pur-
pose of erecting mil!.>, furnisliesa favorable oppor-
tunity for inspecting its structure ; the arrange-
ment of which is as follows :

A mixture of clay and gravel, 2 feet.

Coarse gravel and sand, with a great vari-
ety of small stones, generally smooth, 4

At the bottom of this stratum issues a spring
of very pure water, which is never dry,
and retains a temperature of 50 deg.

Coarse gravel, sand and clay, with paving
stones, 20

Per-oxide of iron, combined with sand and
clav, 2

154 ELLIS SPRING,

Clay and coarse gravel, 4 feet.

Lamellated slate, soft and crumbly, 3

Coarse gravel and clay, 4

Lamellated slate to the bed of the rock, 10

These strata are all placed nearly in a horizon-
tal position, and are well defined.

The valley in which the mineral fountain dis-
covers itself is of a semi-circular form, including
the area of an acre.

Differing from all others of the kind, tliis water
issues from the bank in a horizontal direction. It
betrays its character the moment it approaches
the surface, by its sparkling appearance, and the
deposit of its iron, which stains the walls of the
little rill, as it trickles down the declivity to the
marsh, a few k^i below, where it has formed a
compact rocky substance, resembling in all re-
.spects, the tufa before described.

The water is remarkably clear ; its taste is
acidulous and chalybeate, and its temperature is
48 deg. It affords 316 grains of solid contents to
a gallon, which contents consist of marine salt,
carbonate of soda, lime, magnesia and iron ; the
last of which it affords in as great abundance as
any of the mineral waters either at Saratoga or

ELLIS' SPRING. 155

Ballston. Ii is indeed a very excellent chalybe-
ate water ; and as such it is in high estimation,
although, in consequence of its remote situation, it
IS but seldom resorted to.

QUAIOUI SPRir^IGS.

In adciticn to the springs already nciiccd, (here
v.1'2 Ecvcra! others which belong to the same clo.ss,
E'ltuated in the town of Saratoga, about ten miles
ill a f-outhcr.^t direction from the Congress Spring;
t'loy are ca^cd the Quaker Sprii:!g.;.

T!:cse ::prin;;3 inahe their appearance throngh
■X bed of a^iilaccoLis marl, at the: boitom of a
deep vr.IIoy, surrounded by gray-wacke and ar-
giiIaceo':s folate. They contain lime, magnesia
and iron, hold in solution by the carbonic acid,
ii::d like the oth:r3, they likcv/isc contain a por-
tio:i cf common salt and soda. Tlioir gaseous
ccn'onty sro vrry ^mall in comparison witii
<ho30 already described ; their miireral impregna-
tion is !:ot r;Oiii?ient to en'ide them to much
attcnf:iGr, arc; d^cy are of course Lai little res:'i1-
ed to.

BALLSTON SPA.

The village of Ballston Spa is situated about
seven miles in a southwest direction from the vil-
lage of Saratoga Springs, in the soutlieast part of
tiie town of Milton, and but a few rods from the
ngnh line of the town of Ballston. The great
resort to this place, on account of its mineral wa-
ters has made it, like those of Saratoga, a place
of much notoriety.

The mineral springs are situated in a marsii at
the bottom of a deep valley, through which one
of the principal branches of the Kayaderosseras
<.reek passes. They were discovered during tiie
iurvey and partition of the patent of Kayaderos-
seras in 17G9 ; and about the same time the Rev.
EHphalet Ball, from Bedford, Westchester coun-
ty, with a number of his congregation, settled
r.bout two miles and a half from tiie Springs in a
southerly direction, on a tract of land which was
hct apart and sold to defray the expenses of the
company in surveying the patent ; and wiiicii,
from that time, has been distinguished by ll^o
name of Bal!s;ton.

158 BALLSTON SPA.

In 1772, one Peter Ferris purchased and settled
on a hundred acre lot, the second west from the
Springs ; and about the same time Benajah Doug-
lass, who had resided some time previous near
Lebanon Springs, (which at that ..lime had be-
come a place of some resort,) entertaining the
belief that the springs at Ballston might become
a watering place of some consequence, purchased
a, lot of one hundred acres adjacent to and di-
rectly west of the then principal spring, near
which he erected a small log house for the ac-
commodation of visitants. Encouraged by the
success of this small beginning, Mr. Douglass, a
few years after, was induced to build a small
frame house across the creek, on the flat oppo-
site the spring. At this period the waters had
acquired a reputation of considerable notoriety,
and they began to be resorted to by the inhabi-
tants of the surroundii]g country, particularly
from the city of Albany and the settlements along
the valley of the Mohawk. Many came with
their waggons, bringing their own provisions and
forage, and staying several days, substituting the
waggon for a boarding house. After the com-
mencement of the war of the revolution, the set-
tlement of the country was suspended, and very
little improvement was made at these springs
until after the treaty of peace was concluded.

BALLSTON SPA. 159

In 1791, Mr. Douglass erected a large building
for the accommodation of visitants, . the same
which now constitutes the front of the excellent
and well known establishment formerly kept
by Mr. Aldridge. In 1792, Nicholas Low, Esq.
of the city of New- York, the then proprietor of
the lot on which the springs were situated, erect-
ed a large and commodious house close to the
spring, which was kept for many years as a board-
ing house, and sustained a high reputation, well
known as McMaster's boarding house. Dur-
ing the ensuing ten years, these establishments
were much enlarged and improved, and several
others were erected, and the springs now became
the resort of great numbers of invalids, and also
of the wealthy and fashionable.

In 1803, Mr. Low erected that splendid estab-
lishment so universally known and admired, the
8an.s Souci Hotel, and in the spring of 1804 it
was furnished and opened for the accommoda-
tion of visitants.

In 1S07, the legislature of the state passed an
act incorporating the settlement at tlic springs,
embracing one mile s(iuare, by the name of the
^'illage of Ballston Spa.

160 BATLSTOIf SPA.

About this time several springs were discover-
ed in the vicinity of those already known, differ-
ing but little in their general character, with the
exception of the Sulphur water, a few feet from
the spring called Low's Well, and known as one
of those called the Sans Souci Springs.

During the latter part of the summer of 1817,
continued rains had so swollen the small stream
which passes through the village, that it burst
over its usual bounds, and in some places formed
for itself an entire new channel. On the subsi-
ding of the flood, a new spring was discovered,
exhibiting an appearance which, connected with
its medicinal properties, gave for a time much
additional celebrity to the place. It was situa-
ted some rods below what was called the Public
Well, and in what was, during the freshet, the
bed of the stream. It issued from a circular
opening of several feet in diameter, affording an
immense quantity of water, attended with all the
characteristics of a strong mineral impregnation.

With a view to prevent the connection of the
water with the stratum of clay through which it
passed up to the surface, and hkewise to prevent
the intrusion of fresh water, a tube was ingeni-
ously constructed and forced into the aperture
from whence the water arose, to the depth of

BALLSTON SPA. 161

nearly thirty feet. In this tube the water arose
about five feet above the level of the brook, and
was then suffered to fall over its sides, producing
in some measure the effect of a jet d'cau, while
the surface of the spring was brought nearly to a
level with the eye, furnishing a fine opportunity
for inspecting its sparkling properties to the
greatest advantage. Close to the side of this
tube another was inserted, not however to so
great a depth, through which the water arose
somewhat above the surface of the earth, and
was then suffered to escape.

It was not a little singular that the waters of
these two wells, apparcnily issuing from the
same source, should have contained difi'erent por-
tions of the muriate of soda, while they very
nearly corresponded in all the other articles
which they contained.

The water wiiich flowed from these tubes,
combined with that which came up in the aper-
ture around them, ran off in a stream at the rate
of more than a barrel a minute. It commenced
the deposit of its chalybeate and calcareous prop-
erties the moment it came in contact with the
atmosphere, and the quantity given off by so
large a bulk of water continued to mark its pas-
o»

162 BALLSTON SPA.

sage along the brook into which it passed for the
distance of more than a mile.

This singular fountain continued about two
years, the wonder and admiration of all who saw
it and drank of its waters. At length, however,
the abundant carbonic acid seemed to be ex-
hausted, or to have taken some other course, and
all attempts to reclaim it have as yet proved
fruitless. The water still continues to flow in
abundance, but retaining little or none of its min-
eral properties excepting its iron, which it still
continues to hold in solution in considerable quan-
tities. This was called the Washington Sp7-ing.

Not long after the first appearance of the last
mentioned spring, it was thought by many that
the old spring or public well on the flat had suf-
fered a deterioration, there being evidently a
much less evolution of uncombined gas than usu-
al, and it is not improbable that the immense
quantity of gas discharged at the place referred
to might have operated to produce the apparent
diminution at the old spring ; the failure, howev-
er, has been by some attributed to other causes.
A desire to improve the condition and appear-
ance of the well, about the same time, induced
an officious interference with its situation, which
better reflection and more experience would pro-

BALL6TON SPA. 163

bably have caused to be omitted. These facts
are recorded merely as a matter of historj'-, leav-
ing the inferences to be confirmed or otherwise
by future events. The water of the old spring,
although it has suffered some in the pubhc esti-
mation, and is certainly not quite so palatable as
formerly, is still an excellent tonic, sitting more
easy and light on the stomachs of many than the
waters of some of the other springs, which are
more highly charged with the carbonic acid gas,
which has the effect sometimes to produce dis-
tention of the stomach, and consequent vertigo
and pain in the head.

In the year 1822, on removing an old floor and
other rubbish under a building attached to the
bathing house, a spring was discovered, or rather
reclaimed, (for its existence had been known
many years before,) apparently more saline than
any which the place afforded ; it now constitutes
one of those called the Sans Souci Springs, and
is situated about equi-distant from the one origi-
nally called L(ni)\s Well and the Sulphur Spring.
It is now the spring mostly resorted to, particu-
larly by those who take the water as a beverage,
or who desire its cathartic cH'cct.

In the spring of 1827, an effort was made by
a number of enterprising individuals to ex{)lore,

164 BALLSTON SPA.

by boring, the interior of the slate formation, with
a view to obtain a further supply of mineral
water at this place. To etfect the object, a ma-
chine, invented for the purpose by Mr. Disbrow
of New-Jersey, was procured, and operations
were commenced on the flat nearly opposite to
Aldridge's boarding house. The boring was be-
gun in the bottom of a pubhc w^ell that had been
previously sunk to the depth of fourteen feet,
eight of which were in the rock. At the depth
of about eighty feet a vein of mineral water was
discovered ; a tube was fitted to the hole in the
rock of sufficient length to extend a little above
the surface of the earth, and the water immedi-
ately rose to the top of this tube and escaped in
a copious stream, affording an ample supply of a
lively acidulous water. The excavation, how-
ever, was continued to the depth of one hundred
and thirty-seven feet, but without any considera-
ble addition to the water, either in quantity or
quality, except a slight sulphurous impregnation.
This spring has been named the New Washing-
ton Fountain.

Not long after the completion and establishment
of this fountain, a most singular incident occurred
that is thought worthy to be recorded. It explod-
ed, with a loud noise and with such force as to
tiirow the whole column of water contained in

BALLSTOX SPA. 165

tlic well many feet into the air, leaving a distinct
sulphurous odour, which continued for some ntin-
utes diffused in the surrounding atmosphere.
The spring for a short time appeared entirely
empty ; but it soon filled again and resumed its
original appearauce, and has ever since continued
to flow from a basin, which is now fixed to the
top of the fountain. It is somewhat singular, that
since tlie explosion, the sulphurous impregnation
of the water of this spring has nearly or quite dis-
appeared.

During the succeeding winter a similar experi-
ment of boring was made, with nearly similar re-
sults, in a place called The Park, a little west from
the Sans Souci and directly in the rear of the
Village Hotel. The rock was stiiick at the depth
of about thirty feet, through a bed of dark blue ar-
gillaceous marl. At about the same depth in the
rock as in the former instance, a vein of mineral
water was met with, very nmch resembling that
of the last described fountain. The boring, how-
ever, was continued to the depth of two hundred
and seventy feet, being about two hundred and
forty feet in the argillaceous or transition slate,
which at this place forms the bottom of the val-
ley in which all the above described springs are
situated.

106 BALLSTON SPA.

From the aperture thus formed, the water of
this fountain now flows in great abundance, rising
several feet above the surface of the earth, and
presenting a beautiful Uttle pool, which is tasteful-
ly displayed in a small basin secured to the top of
the tube which conducts the water to the surface.
It is an acidulous chalybeate of the first order, and
must be regarded as an interesting and important
acquisition to the place. It has received the dis-
tinctive appellation of the Park Spring.

These waters evidently belong to the same class
with those already described at Saratoga^ and if
they do not contain quite so large a proportion of
the saline properties as some of the fountains at
the latter place, which is very manifest both from
the taste and the effects, they are unquestionably
entitled to rank among the best acidulous cha-
lybeate waters which this or any other country
affords.

In order to examine these watei's analytically,
a quantity from each spring was secured at the
fountain in well stopped bottles, conveyed to the
place of examination, and immediately submitted
to the operation of tests. The whole of the exper-
iments, both to determine the properties and to
separate the different ingredients, were conduct-
ed in the same manner and upon the same princi-

BALLSTON SPA. 1G7

pies as previously detailed in the examination of
the Congress water ; and the indications being in
all respects the same, there occurring no percep-
tible difference other than what would naturally
be supposed to result from the greater or less
quantity of the various articles held in solution
by each, it is not deemed necessary to recapitu-
late the dry details of these experiments in this
place.

A quantity of the gas was procured from the
water of each fountain, and submitted to the pro-
cess of examination in the same manner as here-
tofore related at page 95. It was found, like that
procured from the water at Saratoga Springs, to
consist of pure carbonic acid, with an admixture
of a small quantity of atmospheric air.

From repeated experiments on the water pro-
cured from the several springs at this place, there
can be no doubt that they all contain considerable
more than their bulk of carbonic acid gas ; but
not having the necessary materials for making the
examinations on the sf)Ot, and the certainty that
the water parts with a considerable portion of
the gas from being bottled, however carefully it
may be done, no attempt was made to estimate
with accuracy the amount of its gaseous pro-
duct.

iG8 BALLSTON SPA.

With these general remarks on the history,
properties and character of the mineral waters at
Ballston Spa, I shall now proceed to a particular
examination of some of the principal fountains, or
such as have from their medical properties ac-
quired the most celebrity.

SAi^S SOICI SPRI]VG.

Tins spring is situated immediately in the rear
of the Sans Sonci, and is more familiarly known
by the name of '" Jack's Spring." Its history has
been already related in the general remarks. Its
water is sparkling aiid acidulous, and its taste high-
ly chalybeate and somewhat saline.

The water from which the following analysis
was made was procured from the spring in the
fore {)art of the month of February, 1830, and
during the winter following, 1831, the examina-
tion was repeated on different quantities of the
water, with results perfectly corresponding. The
processes adopted for determining and separating
the various ingredients were the same in all re-
s[)ccts as those detailed in the examination of the
Congress water, a repetition of which is altogeth-
er unnecessary.

The temperature of the water at the bottom of
the well, at a time wiien the thermometer stood
iu tiic open air at 20 dcg. alcove zero, was 50 (leg.
and its sp<;citic gravity at the temperature of 00
dfg. was 1005.7, jnue water being 1000.

170 SANS SOUCI SPRING.

One gallon, or 231 cubic inches, of the water
from this spring contains the following substan-
ces, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,

143.733

Bi-carbonate of Soda,

12.66

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,

39.1

Carbonate of Lime,

43.407

Carbonate of Iron,

5.95

Ilydriodate of Soda,

1.3

Sihx,

1.

Solid contents in a oallon.

247.15 trrs,

I have omitted to mention the presence of the
hydro-hromatc of potash in the above enumeration
of the ingredients, because that substance is not
satisfactorily indicated in one gallon of the water,
as is the case M'ith the same article in some of
the springs at Saratoga ; but 1 liavc no doubt, that
by concentrating a nuich larger portion of the wa-
ter, its presence might have been demonstrated.
This substance, together with that of the lujdrio-
date of soda, seems in some way connected with
the marine salt, the quantity being increased or
diminished according as that salt is afforded in a
greater or less abundance. The hydriodate of
soda appears to be in the proportion of about
one to a hundred of the chloride of sodium, wliilc

BALLSTON SPA. 171

the proportion of the hydro-bromate of potasli is
much less, and is scarcely to be detected in those
waters that contain the greatest quantity of the
marine salt ; and in those which contain a much
less quantity, it can only be demonstrated by con-
cenlratinff several gallons of the water.

tOTT'S SPRING.

This spring is situated near to the one just de-
scribed, and its appearance and sensible proper-
ties are certainly not very dissimilar to it. Its
specific gravity and its temperature, at the time I
examined them, were the same ; and as the appli-
cation of re-agents indicated no essential differ-
ence in their constituent properties, they may with
great propriety be presumed to be the same, or
very nearly the same water.

PARK SPRIXG.

This fountain is situated in the immediate
neigliborhood of the two last described springs,
in the rear of the Village Hotel. Its situation and
history have already been described. The spe-
cific gravity is considerably less than that of
either of the other two springs, and from the
analysis, it aflbrds a much less quantity of all the
saline substances excepting the iron, with which
this water is undoubtedly saturated. From one
gallon I obtained 4.5 grains of the pure oxide of
iron, equivalent "to 6| grains of the carbonate of
iron, (a tjuantity unexampled in any of the other
springs ;) and the water not holding so large a
(juantity of the saline ingredients in solution, it
constitutes one of the purest and best simple aci-
dulous cliahjhcatc Maters which can any where
be found ; and in all cases where simple chaly-
bcates alone are recommended, this water should
undoubtedly have the preference.

THE PUBI.IC WEM..

This spring is situated near the centre of the
village, on the flat ground nearly opposite to
Aldridge's late boarding house. It was formerly
the most distinguished of any which the place
afforded, and it was ornamented and secured with
a handsome iron paling and marble floor ; but un-
der an apprehension that the spring had suffered
in its properties from the great pressure occa-
sioned by these heavy stones, they have been re-
moved without benefitting the water, and certain-
ly without adding any thing to the beauty of the
place.

Notwithstanding that this spring has, within a
few years, suffered considerably in the estimation
of the public, it is still much used, and is undoubt-
edly an excellent chalybeate water.

It has been generally asserted that " Sir Wil-
liam Johnson, in conveying the land at this place
to individuals, reserved this spring for the benev-
olent purpose of serving the public." Where
this story came from originally is not easy to tell ;
it is certain that Sir William never owned any
land in the vicinity of either of the springs. The

BALLSTON SPA. 175

title under which the lands at this place are held
was obtained from the representatives of May
Bickley, one of the original patentees, over which
Sir William never had even the control of an
agency.

THE NEW WASHIWGTOIV SPRING.

This spring, like that last noticed, is situated
in the street, a few rods distant, in a southerly
direction.

The water submitted to an examination was
procured from the fountain in the month of Feb-
ruary, 1831, and different portions of it were
carefully examined under the same rules and reg-
ulations as already described. Its specific gravi-
ty is 1004.6, pure water being 1000, and its tem-
perature 51 deg. ; and one gallon contains the
following articles, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,

89.83

Bi-carbonate of Soda,

18.057

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,

42.042

Carbonate of Lime,

41.51

Hydriodate of Soda,

0.7

Carbonate of Iron,

3.71

Sihx and Alumine,

1.25

Solid contents in a gallon.

gr. 197.099

This well when it was first opened emitted a
perceptible quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen, but

BALLSTON SPA. 177

it has now nearly or quite disappeared, particu-
larly since the memorable event of its eruption,
as before noticed. The gas, which it now emits
in great abundance, is purely carbonic acid, pro-
bably combined with a small quantity of atmos-
pheric air.

All these waters, if drank in large quantities,
or taken by persons whose stomachs are rather
irritable, operate as an aperient, and at the same
time have a powerful effect as a diuretic, and are
of eminent service in all those chronic affections
where chalvbeate medicines are indicated.

SUtPIIflREOUS WATERS.

Besides the acidulous saline chalybeate waters
so bountifully bestowed on tliis county, there are
several other mineral fountains of a different
character ; I allude to those springs which be-
long to the class termed sulphureous waters.
There are several of this class which occur in
the vicinity of the argillaceous slate formation,
and they very probably ow^e their origin to the
decomposition of the iron pyrites, or sulphuret of
iron which abounds in this rock.

By far the most interesting and important
spring belonging to this class is situated on the
east border of Saratoga Lake, on a farm belong-
ing to a Mr. Abel, about one mile south of Snake
Hill, at the bottom of a deep ravine, which opens
to the lake, and discloses a fine view of that
beautiful sheet of water. The well is situated
but a few yards from the beach ; the water rises
up through a bed of argillaceous marl, and diffu-
ses its sulphureous odour in the atmosphere to
some distance around.

The water is very limpid when first dipped,
but on standing some time it deposits a small

SULPHURBOUS WATERS. 179

quantity of argillaceous earth, which when thrown
on ignited coals, exhibits evidences of sulphur.
This sediment is likewise deposited around the
spring and along the course of its current.

It has a strong siflphureous and foeted smell,
nearly resembling that of bilge water, and it pos-
sesses an offensive nauseous taste ; it however
becomes more palatable after drinking it a few
times.

Strips of litmus paper plunged into this water
fresh from the spring are slightly reddened by it,
but the paper resumes its blue color on drying.

Characters traced on paper with a solution of
the acetate of lead, when plunged into water
fresh from the spring, become nearly black, and
they are made legible on suspending the paper a
fuw minutes over the fountain.

Polished silver is immediately tarnished by im-
mersing it in the water, and silver watches worn
in the pockets of those who are in the daily use
of it are said to be blackened by it.

The usual tests do not indicate the presence of
any metalic substance in this water, nor arc
there any indications of hmc, magnesia or manno

180 SULPHUREOUS WATERS.

salt ; the constituent properties are purely sul-
phuretted hydrogen, together with a small quan-
tity of alumine, which is diffused in it, but not in
a sufficient quantity to render it turbid.

Its temperature is 48 deg. and its specific
gravity is but very little above that of pure
water.

Doctors Armstrong and Johnson have given
a new impulse to the use of sulphureous wa-
ters in the cure of visceral congestions and
chronic affections of the digestive oi'gans ; and it
is highly probable that a free internal use of the
water of this spring, connected with some mild
laxative medicine, will be found highly servicea-
ble in a great variety of those afflictive complaints.

Baths might easily be constructed here, and
the water conducted directly into them from the
fountain, which produces a sufficient quantity for
a constant supply. Bathing in waters of this de-
scription has long been celebrated for its efficacy
in the cure of a great variety of eruptive and
other diseases of the skin ; and it is highly pro-
bable that this spring will ultimately become an
important appendage to the distinguished waters
of Saratoga and Ballston, from either of which it
is but a few miles distant, and the ride includes

SULPHUREOUS WATEIIS. 181

all the variety of scenery presented by the lake
and it environs.

In the valley of one of the branches of the
Kayaderosseras creek, about two miles westerly
from the village of Saratoga Springs, is another
strongly scented sulphureous spring ; it rises per-
pendicularly from the earth in a stream sufficient
to turn a mill, at the bottom of a steep bank,
composed of sand, clay and coarse gravel.

The approach to this spring is discovered at
the distance of some yards, by the sulphureous
odour with which it impregnates the atmosphere.
The water is clear, and but triflingly agitated by
the escape of gas ; its taste is unpleasant, not un-
like the washings of a rusty gun barrel. It de-
posits a brown sediment, which marks its passage
to tiic creek, a distance of one hundred yards.

Its temperature is 50 dcg. while that of a foun-
tain of pure water which issues from the same
bank in a horizontal direction, and within ten feet
of it, is at 10 dcg.

In addition to the sulphuretted hydrogen which

this water aflbrds, it contains a small proportion

of carbonic acid gas, and is slightly impregnated

with marine salt, iron and lime. It is highly ex-

Q

182 SULPHLREOUS WATERS.

tolled for its efficacy in the cure of eruptive dis-
eases, for which it is used, both internally and
externally ; but owing to its remote situation, and
the want of proper accommodations, it is but lit-
tle resorted to at present.

At Ballston Spa, situated within a few feet of
the Sans Souci fountain, there is a spring which
has received the name of the Sulphur Spring.
It is a weak, saline chalybeate, containing a small
quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, which is
sufficiently apparent both from the smell and
taste. Its sulphureous impregnation, however,
•does not appear to be sufficient to make it very
important on that account. It is much used for
bathing, and is recommended and used in a great
varietv of cutaneous affections.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

OM TUK

iHEDICAIi PROPERTIES

OF

THE WATERS.

■ I shall conclude my remarks on the waters of
these fountains, by a few general observations on
their medical properties, and their application in
the various diseases for which they have become
so deservedly celebrated.

These waters are so generally used, and their
cfi'ects so seldom injurious, particularly to persons
in health, that almost every one who has ever
drank of them assumes the prerogative of direct-
ing their use to others ; and were these direc-
tions always the result of experience and obser-
vation, they would certainly be less objectiona-
ble ; but there are numerous persons who flock
about the springs during the drinking season,
without any knowledge of the composition of the

184 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

waters, and little or none of their effects, wlio
contrive to dispose of their directions to the igno-
rant and unvi^ary, with no other effect than to in-
jure the reputation of the water and destroy the
prospects of the diseased.

JMany persons who resort to the springs for the
restoration of health, seem to be governed by the
idea, that they are to recover in proportion to the
quantity they drink ; and, although many who
are in health may, and frequently do, swallow
down enormous quantities of the water with ap-
parent impunity, it by no means follows that those
whose stomaclis are enfeebled by disease can
take the same quantity with the same effect.
Stomachs of this description frequently reject
large portions of the water, and thereby protect
the system from the disastrous consequences that
would otherwise follow. But when it happens
to be retained, the result is indeed distressing ;
the pulse becomes quick and feeble, the extremi-
ties cold, the head painful and dizzy, the bowels
swollen and tender, and the whole train of nerv-
ous affections alarmingly increased ; and should
the unfortunate sufferer survive the effects of his
imprudence, it is only to a renewal of his worst
apprehensions, from a loss of confidence in what
he most probably considered a last resort.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 185

In directing the use of the waters, I shall con-
fine my remarks to a few observations on their
medical application, of a general character only ;
particular dircctions can only be given with safe-
ty to the patient from a careful investigation of
tiie particular symptoms, character and nature of
the complaint.

Among the great variety of invalids who re-
sort to the springs, none perhaps receive more
essential and etTectual benefit from their use than
those usually termed bilious.

In all those aiTections usually termed bilious, if
the attack be recent and unattended by any seri-
ous organic affection, it is most usually removed
in the course of a few days by a free use of the
Congress water alone ; but in those cases where
the functions of the stomach and bowels have be-
come impaired from the long continuace of the
disease, attended with anasarcus swellings of the
extremities, &c. although the waters of this foun-
tain may be resorted to with nearly the same as-
surance of obtaining relief, nevertheless more
caution is intlispensably necessary in its adminis-
tration ; lor should a great (juantity of the water
be drank without having the proper effect by the
bowels and kidneys, it is never beneficial, but on

186 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

the contrary, frequently increases the most alarm-
ing symptoms of the complaint.

In cases of this description, I have long been in
the habit of recommending the addition of some
mild cathartic medicine ; and for this purpose a
few grains of calomel, or the blue pill, are direct-
ed to be taken over night, followed in the morn-
ing with a sufficient quantity of the water to
move the bowels briskly two or three times, with
the happiest effect. A few doses of this descrip-
tion usually puts the bowels in a situation to be
more easily wrought upon by the water, and the
patient becomes convinced of its efficacy in his
disease from a few days proper application.

In the more advanced stages of bilious affec-
tions, where the organization of the liver and oth-
er viscera have materially suffered, and the dis-
position to general hycb-ops, indicated by the en-
largement of the extremities, fullness of the abdo-
men, &c. the waters are all of them manifestly
injurious, and are not to be admitted, even as an
auxiliaiy remedy.

In all those functional affections of the organs
employed in the process of digestion, constituting
what is usually termed dyspepsia, the waters

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 187

have long maintained a high and deserved repu-
tation. The Congress water is principally relied
on for the cure of these affections. This should
be taken in the morning, an hour or two before
breakfast, in sufficient quantity to move the bow-
els freely once or twice. In ordinary cases, four
or five tumblers full are sufficient for the purpose ;
and in weak irritable habits, half the quantity, or
a single tumbler full in some cases, is amply suf-
ficient to answer the purpose.

In those cases where the bowels are attended
with an habitual constipation, the large quantity
of water required to move them often produces
unpleasant distention of the stomach and bowels,
and by producing cold chills and nausea, frequent-
ly defeats the general intention of its application.
This, in some instances, may be remedied by
simply elevating the temperature of the water by
keeping it for some hours in well stopped bottles
in a warm room. When this fails, recourse may
be had to some suitable laxative, which should be
taken over night on going to bed ; and a much
less quantity of the water in the morning will an-
swer the wishes of the patient, witiiout subjecting
him to any very great inconvenience. Or, if cir-
cumstances recjuire a still greater effect, a little
epsom, or some otiier laxative salt, may be added

188 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

to the first glass of the water. In this way the
difficulty will soon be overcome, when a much
less quantity of the water will be found to answer
the purpose.

But the Congress water is not alone to be de-
pended on for the removal of these affections :
when the stomach and bowels have been prop-
erly cleansed by the mild and innocent purgative
properties of this water, for which purpose it is
to be drank only in the morning, the remainder
of the day should be devoted to the moderate and
discreet use of some of the more pure chalybeate
waters : as that of the Flat Rock, Columbian,
High Rock, Ellis^ Spring, or Ballston Spa.

The quantity of water from either of these
fountains, to be used daily, must necessarily de-
pend in a great measure on the state of the dis-
ease and the condition of the stomach. It is
therefore best to commence their use in small
quantities at a time, and at distant and regular
intervals ; gradually increasing the quantity and
frequency of the draught, as may be most agree-
ble to the stomach, and least unpleasant to the
feelings. In this way the quantity may be in-
creased to from one to two quarts ; and it is
questionable whether a much larger quantity may
be drank with any additional advantage.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 189

The use of* chalybeate medicines in tlic cure of
the deranged slate of the digestive organs has sel-
dom been directed, except in conjunction with
laxatives of some kind ; and it is now a subject
of speculation with some of our best and well in-
formed practitioners, whether the cure might not
be as expeditiously efibcted by the judicious ad-
ministration of laxatives alone. It is certain that
three fourths of the cases usually termed dyspeji-
tic, which congregate at these springs during the
drinking season, owe their origin to the ill-timed
administration of chalybeates and other tonic
remedies, prescribed for the purpose of bracing
up what was supposed to be a debilitated stom-
ach ; or in more familiar terms, " to wind vj) a
run down constitution"

«• From long and unbiassed observation," says
the venerable Doct. Armstrong, " I am fully con-
vinced that most of the medicines called tonics
arc cither useless or pernicious ; and if these
were erased from the phai-macopocias, it would
be a real benefit to the profession and mankind ;
fjr they only serve to mislead the furmer, and to
tantalize or injure the latter. Tijnic medicines
generally opj)ress the digestive functions, or ope-
rate as direct stimulants, and in either case they
arc improper in convalescence : for by the first

190 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

they may destroy the natural appetite, and by the
last they may lead to chronic inflammations. So
far from such drugs being appropriate to a stage
of convalescence from acute disease, mild laxa-
tives are most frequently requisite to preserve a
right balance between the ingesta and the eges-
ta ; and the practitioner who substitutes the for-
mer will find that his patients will pass better
through convalescence, and be afterwards far less
subject to consecutive attacks of inflammation."
These remarks are so much in accordance with
my own experience and observation, that I could
not forego the oppportunity of transcribing them
here.

But whether the tonic medicines be or be not
appropriate in the cure of the deranged state of
the digestive organs, it is certain that the quanti-
ty of iron found in the water of those fountains
which contain the largest proportion of that arti-
cle, is quite too trifling to merit a serious consid-
eration as a remedy in any disease. That the
waters possess powerful stimulating and exciting
powers cannot be disputed ; but whether this
property be owing to the small portion of iron,
as is usually supposed, which enters into its com-
position, may very rationally be doubted.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 191

Conjoined with the internal use of the waters,
bathing should not be neglected ; its exhilcrating
effect upon tiie surface of the body contributes
much to the restoration of the vifjor and strength
of the stomach. The cold shower hath should al-
ways be preferred where the energy of the circu-
lation is sufficient to overcome the effects of the
cold, and produce the sensation of warmth over
tlie surface immediately after its application ;
where this sensation is not produced, tlie cold bath
should be dispensed with, and the tepid or warm
bath substituted in its stead, together with gene-
ral friction with a flesh brush or coarse flannel
over the whole body.

Tiic stimulating effects of these w^aters, arising
from their saline and gaseous properties, give them
a decided preference over any other as a bath ;
and those who are laboring undet a deficient or
irregular action of the cutaneous vessels, arising
cither from a sympathetic affection with a diseas-
ed stomach, or from an original aftection of the
vessels themselves, will find it to their advantage
to persevere in its use under this form.

The idea of bathing before sunrise or early in
the morning is entirely wrong. Before bathing,
the system should always be hivigorated by the
effect of moderate exercise and a nutricious re-

192 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

past. The hour of ten or eleven in the forenoon
is therefore the most suitable time for its applica-
tion.

In CALCULOUS and nephritic complaints the
waters have long been celebrated for their effica-
cy, and numerous w^ell attested instances of their
good effects can be produced, where the disease
was not only benefitted, but effectually cured.
In these cases, the subjects of them, after using
the water for some weeks, voided large quantities
of sand and small gravel, and have since felt no
symptoms of the return of the complaint.

The waters that would seem to promise most
in these diseases are those which contain the great-
est quantity of the mrated alkali, but they have
usually been drank indiscriminately for this pur-
pose, without reference to any particular fountain ;
it is therefore probable that the carbonic acid,
together with the carbonated earths, add some-
thing to the lithoutrijitic properties of these wa-
ters.

They should be drank in such quantities as to
keep the bowels open, and repeated sufficiently
often to keep up an increased secretion by the
kidneys.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 193

The icarm hath, as an auxiliary to the internal
use of the waters, is of much importance ; it great-
ly facilitates the passage of the ragged fragments
of gravel which sometimes take place from the
cftect of this remedy. Its temperature should be
from 100 to 110 deg. and the length of time
proper for continuing it should be from one to
two liours.

In CHRONIC RiiEu>L\TisM, the virtues of the
waters were known, and celebrated, by the abo-
rigines ; and the observations of more modern
visitants have tended greatly to confirm the good
opinion entertained by the original proprietors.
The Congress water has the most celebrity in this
disease : it should be taken in the morning, in suf-
ficient quantities to move the bowels two or three
times, and followed by moderate draughts of some
of the other fountains ; and, in most instances, the
shower bath will add much to the efficacy of the
water. Following this course for a length of time
gradually relaxes the rigidity of the muscles, adds
strength and facility of motion to the diseased
jc^ints, and restores case and vigor to the whole
?}'stem.

The ANTnniTis, or gout, has but seldom ap-
peared at the Springs. Wiicthcr this absence is
to bo imputed to the few cases that, compara-

R

194 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

tively speaking, occur in our country, or to a pre-
vailing opinion that the use of the waters would
be injurious, is uncertain. If, ho we vet, one may
be allowed to judge from the few cases which
have appeared at the waters, there is some reason
to believe they may prove highly serviceable,
particularly in the incipient or forming stage of the
complaint ; but in those cases whei'e the disease
has become confirmed, and the system, for a long
time, has been subjected to a course of powerful
stimulants, the operation of the waters is more
doubtful ; and indeed several instances have oc-
curred where their use evidently tended to invite
a recurrence of the paroxysms.

In PHAGEDEMC, Or ILL-CONDITIONED ULCERS

of the extremities, perhaps no application has ev-
er been attended with more effectual benefit in a
variety of these affections than a free use of the
waters; but the various forms and circumstances
under which this afflictive complaint presents it-
self require particular attention, as they form the
only criterion for a proper application of this high-
ly useful remedy.

Persons afflicted with obstinate and painful cu-
taneous ERUPTIONS derive great and important
benefit from a properly directed course of bathing
and drinking. And in that peculiarly relaxed and

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 195

enfeebled state of the system arising from a long
protracted mercurial course, the water connected
with the air and exercises of the countr\', has ne-
ver failed of proving an efficacious and speedy
restorative.

Scrofula is another disease for which those
who are afflicted with it frequently become appli-
cants to the waters, and experience has abund-
antly sanctioned the belief of their utility in that
complaint.

Before the discovery of Iodine in these waters,
their operation in the cure of strumous aftbctions
was considered as somewhat mysterious, but
since that substance has been demonstrated as
forming one of the constituent ingredients in the
water, the mystery has been solved, and the wa-
ters are now prescribed in these aftbctions with a
confidence which the important and active prop-
erties of this interesting article is calculated to
inspire.

As Iodine is a substance which has been recent-
ly introduced info the list of valuable rcnudies, a
short notice ()f its history and medical character
will not be uninteresting, particularly to the gene-
ral rea<lor.

196 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

This singular and interesting article %vas fii-sl
discovered by a manufacturer of saltpetre at Pa-
ris, no longer ago than 1812. In washing the car-
bonate of soda from the ashes of sea-weeds, he
observed that the residual liquor corroded the
metalic vessels in which it was standing, and on
the addition of sulphuric acid he obtained a dark
coloured precipitate, which was converted into a
beautiful violet coloured vapour by the application
of heat. Some of this substance was put into
the hands of M. Clement, a distinguished chemist
of Paris, who soon recognized it as a new body ;
and in 1813 he first described it in the royal insti-
tution of France. Sir Humphrey Davy, Gay
Lussac, and a number of other distinguished chem-
ists, liave subsequently investigated its chemical
habitudes, and determined its real nature.

Iodine, in a pure state at the ordinary tempera-
ture of the atmosphere, is a soft, friable, opaque
solid, of a bluish black colour, somewhat resem-
blijig plumbago. It occurs usually in crystalline
scales ; it sublimes rapidly at a temperature even
!)c]ow that of boiling water ; and it suffers a grarU
ual dissipation at a still lower temperature. Its
vapour is of a rich violet colour, from which cir-
cumstance it has received the name of Iodine.
Tt has a very acrid taste, and a strong oflensive
odour. It acts Avith creat encrirv on the animal

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 197

sj'stem, but may be employed with advantage as
a medicine in very small doses.

It unites chemically with oxygen and hydro-
gen, forming the iodic and hydriodic acids ; and
these, when united with the alkaline, or earthy ba-
sis, constitute the iodates, or hydriodates ; and in
one or other of these forms it is usually met with
in nature.

The hydriodic acid combined with potassa or
soda, has been detected in many of the brine and
other mineral springs of Europe. It has hkewise
been found in sea-water, and a number of ma-
rine animals ; it is contained in sponge, and a
great variety of sea-weed ; and its existence in
the waters of Saratoga and Ballston Spa, in the
state of tlie hydriodate of soda, has been satisfac-
torily demonstrated.

As a medicine, Iodine is now believed to pos-
sess great and important qualities ; and it has been
introduced as a remedy in the cure of almost eve-
rj' species of chronic affection. It is supposed to
exert a special influence over the absorbent or lym-
phatic system ; and in goitre and scrofula, as well
as all other indolent enlargement of the glands, it
has maintained a high and deserved reputation.
And it is unquestionably owing to the presence of

198 PRACTICA.L OBSERVATIOXS.

this substance that the mineral waters of Sarato-
ga are indebted for their great efficacy in the cure
of strumous affections.

The fountain which contains the largest pro-
portion of the hydriodate of soda should, without
doubt, be selected by the invaUd laboring under
these afflictions. The water should be commen-
ced in small doses, and the quantity gradually in-
creased, as the stomach will bear it ; and its use
should be continued, at least, through the summer
months. There are but few of this description
who have not received advantage, and numerous
instances might be adduced where the less seri-
ously affected have perfectly recovered from a
proper com'se of bathing and drinlung.

Bromine* is another substance that has lately
been discovered as entering into the composition
of these waters ; and it is not improbable, from

* This substance was discovered in sea-water, by a French
chemist in 1826. It is in a liquid state at the common tempe-
rature of the atmosphere ; its color is a bkckish red ; its odour
is disagreeable, and its taste powerful. It acts with energj' on
organic substances and corrodes the animal texture. It has
been detected in most of the substances in which iodine has
been found. It exists in sea-water in the state of the hydro-
bromate of magnesia, and in tlie waters of tliis place it is in the
state of thehydroJjroiaate of potassa.

PKACTICAL ODSERVATIOXS. 199

the highly active properties \vhich it is known to
possess, tliat in conjunction with iodine, it contri-
butes to the clTicacy of the water in its operation
on scrolulus and enfeebled habits; but the ex-
tremely minute quantity in which it is found for-
bids the idea of attaching much importance to its
presence.

In DROPSY, arising from organic derangement
of long continuance, the waters arc manifestly in-
jurious, as they invariably increase the swelling,
and add to the sufferings of the patient ; but in re-
cent cases, where the alfection arises simply from
a deficient action in the absorbent vessels, the wa-
ter has a singular cflbct in removing it. It should
be drank in the morning freely, so as to produce
a copious discharge from the bowels; and through
the day taken in such quantities as to keep up a
pretty constant discharge of urine. The bloating
is relieved innnediately, and a proper continuance
of the water will fmally establish the permanency
of the cure.

In PARALYSIS, the waters have been usually
scrviceal)le. The purgative propertiesof the Con-
gress render it the most aj)plicablc to this disease ;
an<i its good ellects are much increased by the
use of the bath.

200 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

In CHLOROSIS, and a variety of other complaints
peculiar to the female sex, the waters maintain a
high and deserved reputation. In most of these
cases the bowels should be kept open, by the use
of the more purgative waters ; and those of a less
purgative character should be persevered in for
a length of time. Their good effects will be much
accelerated by frequent bathing and moderate
exercise.

" The general operation of chalybeates," says
Dr. Saunders, in his treatise upon the mineral
waters of Europe, " is to increase the power of the
secretory system in a gradual uniform manner,
and at the same time, by the permanency of their
stimulus or some other cause with which we are
not well acquainted, to impart a gentle and salu-
tary increase to the body of strength, tone, ner-
vous energy and general vigor of all the functions.
It is therefore chiefly in chronic disorders, in those
that arise from slow beginnings and are attended
with great laxity and debility of the solids, but
without much organic disease, that these waters
are found to be particularly useful."

In PHTHISIS, and indeed all other pulmonary
affections, arising from a primary disease of the
lungs, the waters arc evidently injurious, and man-
ifestly tend to increase the virulence of the dis-

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 201

ease. Their use, therefore, in these complaints,
as well as in all acute or inflammatory' diseases,
should be strictly prohibited.

The season of the year most suitable for drink-
ing the waters is often made a subject of earnest
inquiry. The summer months, or during the pre-
valence of warm weather, is undoubtedly the
most suitable time for their use, as cold drinks are
then far more agreeable, both to the stomach and
palate; and all the secretions and excretions of
the system, in ordinary cases, arc then more read-
ily and efl'ectually operated on by the effects oi'
remedial agents. But what is of still more im-
portance, the summer season is more particularly
adapted to a free and unrestrained exercise in the
open air ; without which a long course of the wa-
ters woulfl be of but little avail.

The grc'U number of visitants who frequent
th<!se watering places during the season for drink-
ing, are no dou!)t a source of considerable income
to the country : but the annual inrreasc of y>oo/-
iiiralids, wiio Hock here from all parts of tlu; Igni-
ted Slates, and are solely dependant upon private
inunificence fir their subsistence, is an evil that
bcLnnsto be seriously felt, not only by die iniiabi-
tants, but i)\' stratigi;rs, whose bfncvolciirc, wliilo
h'-ro, is dailv laid under contribution f )r the sup-

202 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

port of some poor object, who is struggling to ob-
tain from bountiful nature a renovation of health
which he has lost, perhaps in the service of his
country. This evil can only be properly remedi-
ed by an interference of the general government ;
and I cannot omit this opportunity to remind those
whose business it may be, that the endowment of
a small hospital at this place, under proper regula-
tions, would be attended with more beneficent ef-
fects, and would tend more to ameliorate the con-
dition of suffering humanity, than the appropria-
tion of an equivalent sum in any other way.

Much interest has been excited on the subject
of the source of these singular and interesting
waters, but no researches have as yet satisfacto-
rily unfolded the mystery. The large proportion
of common salt found among their constituent
properties may be accounted for without much
difficulty, all the salt springs of Europe as well as
those of America being found in geological situa-
tions exactly corresponding to these ; but the
production of the unexampled quantity of carbonic
acid gas, and the medium through which the other
articles are principally retained in solution, is yet,
and probably will remain, a subject of mere spec-
ulation. The low and regular temperature of the
water seems to forbid the idea that it is the effect
of subterranean heat, as many have supposed,

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 203

and tlie total absence of any mineral acid, cxccpi-
ing the marine which is combined with soda, does
away the possibility of its being the effect of any
combination of that kind. Its production istherc-
tbre trulv unaccountable.

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